Business Details
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Special Needs
Whispering Manes Therapeutic Riding Center has dedicated itself to transforming lives through equine-assisted therapy since its founding. Our mission-driven approach focuses on providing therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship programs for individuals with special needs, fostering physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. With a team of certified instructors and specially trained horses, we create personalized experiences that break down barriers of communication and mobility. Our programs, including specialized offerings for veterans and adaptive horsemanship, reflect decades of combined expertise in therapeutic equine care.We maintain rigorous safety standards and continually refine our methodologies to ensure optimal outcomes for participants. Our facility in Miami, FL, serves as a hub for community engagement, offering volunteer opportunities and educational resources that amplify our impact. Through strategic partnerships and donor support, we sustain our commitment to accessibility and innovation in equine therapy.
Services
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Veterans Program
Manes and Tales
Volunteer Programs
Equine Welfare Fund
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with specialized equine therapy training
- Proven therapeutic outcomes for participants with diverse needs
- Veterans-specific program addressing PTSD and mobility challenges
- Community-driven approach with volunteer and sponsorship opportunities
- Dedicated facility with specially trained therapy horses
What people say
Love the program
Big changes in my son
Social interaction
Healing and improved self-esteem
Services
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Our core program pairs participants with specially trained horses and certified instructors to improve balance, coordination, and confidence. Riders develop emotional connections that foster self-esteem while engaging in structured physical therapy activities. Ideal for individuals with physical disabilities, autism, or developmental challenges.
Veterans Program
Tailored horsemanship sessions help veterans manage PTSD symptoms and mobility issues through ground-based activities and riding. The program emphasizes trust-building and emotional regulation while connecting veterans with peer support networks in a non-clinical environment.
Manes and Tales
Interactive storytelling sessions combine horse care education with literacy development for children with special needs. Participants learn responsibility through grooming and feeding routines while engaging with themed narratives that enhance cognitive and social skills.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteers assist with horse handling, rider support, and facility maintenance while gaining hands-on experience in therapeutic equine care. Training programs equip volunteers to work directly with participants, fostering meaningful connections between riders and horses.
Equine Welfare Fund
Dedicated resources ensure our therapy horses receive optimal veterinary care, nutrition, and retirement planning. The fund supports ongoing training for horses transitioning from traditional equestrian backgrounds to therapeutic roles, maintaining our high service standards.
Questions
What age groups participate in your programs?
We serve individuals aged 4 through adulthood with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges.
How are horses selected for therapy work?
Our horses undergo temperament testing and specialized training to ensure suitability for therapeutic interactions.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Scholarships and donor-funded sponsorships help reduce program costs for qualifying participants.
Can veterans access VA benefits for this therapy?
Some veterans may use VA grants for adaptive sports programs through our partnership with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
How do I schedule a therapy session?
Contact our office to complete an application and assessment process before starting lessons.
Are volunteer hours available for students?
Yes, we provide structured volunteer opportunities for high school and college students seeking service credits.
