Barn Pals

Barn Pals is an adaptive program where participants learn about horses and barn care while working together and having fun! This is a hands-on class where participants help care for the herd and learn about grooming, bathing, types of saddles, equine first aid, feeding, stall cleaning, and more. Barn Pals has many of the same benefits as adaptive riding, including increased strength, dexterity, teamwork and social skills, confidence, focus, and resilience.

Each lesson is planned and facilitated by a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor or *Instructor-in-Training. Instructors individualize lessons with activities that are tailored to each participant’s goals, abilities, and interests.

* Instructor-in-Training is an official PATH Intl. classification signifying an instructor candidate who is in the process of becoming certified.

Eligibility

  • 8 years and older

  • Ability to focus on an activity for 10 minutes

  • Ability to remain in a designated area and follow directions

  • Ability to understand and follow safety rules

  • Disability or mental health diagnosis identified by an appropriately credentialed professional or agency

Safety is a priority at Ride for Joy, and each application is carefully screened to determine whether there are any physical or mental contraindications that would make equine-assisted activities inappropriate for the applicant. 

Cost and Scheduling

Classes are offered during six-week sessions, which are scheduled in the spring, summer, and fall. Please check the Calendar of Events for session dates.

Throughout each session, participants attend one class per week during their scheduled 40-minute time. Classes consist of small groups (typically 2-4 participants), depending on the participants’ needs and the availability of staff, horses, and volunteers.

Pricing:

Six-week session: $60

Sign Up

Current Participants

All current participants in the Adaptive Riding Program can sign up for Barn Pals! Watch your email for the next session’s sign-up form.

New Participants

If you have not participated in RFJ’s programs before, or if you have not signed up for a session in two years or more:

Please complete the New Participant Application, and have the applicant’s medical provider submit the Medical Release Form. All forms can be found HERE. Addionally, please review the Participant Handbook.

A Ride for Joy staff member will confirm when all required forms have been received and schedule an in-person Meet and Greet Evaluation. Once this is completed, watch your email for the next session’s sign-up form!

Questions

Please reach out to: info@rideforjoy.org