From Monday to Friday during the school terms our “slice of country in the heart of the city” centre that has at its heart a supportive family environment provides a range of lesson options for our clients. We have group lessons for both supported (led) and independent riders and for clients requiring more support we also have “one on one” supported riding lessons called Double Dinks where M’Liss rides on the horse with the client to fully support the rider on the horse.
Through Coach Joanne Blomquist we also offer individualised fully supported lessons through her own “Ride Therapy” program which has been designed for those clients who have decreased or increased movement dysfunctions, such as cerebral palsy, developmental motor coordination disorders (dyspraxia), autism, downs syndrome. Riders are supported by two sidewalkers and a leader and complete a set of exercises utilising the horse’s biomechanical movement to facilitate increased physical function by engaging sensory, neuro motor and cognitive systems. Like all lessons at CTRC Ride Therapy helps improve body management, dynamic core stability, body spatial awareness, balance, and coordination.
At 3.30 each day we have our half hour after school beginner’s class where our new riders are led by a volunteer when they first begin and will develop over time to a stage where they can walk trot and canter on their own.
Our 4pm one hour lesson is for those that can walk and trot on their own and are developing canter. At 5pm are our more advanced riders that are either working towards or are currently competing in competitions.