The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) was founded in 1969 to promote and support therapeutic riding in the United States and Canada. At some 600 NARHA riding centers more than 26,000 individuals with disabilities, find a sense of independence through horseback riding. These centers range from small, one person programs to large operations with several instructors and therapists. In addition to therapeutic riding a center may also offer any number of equine activities such as diving, vaulting, trail riding, competition and/or stable management.
NARHA assists riding centers in several ways for the benefit of individuals with disabilities. It provides program accreditation to ensure the highest safety standards, as well as instructor certification which bring knowledge of disabilities and that of horses together, to best serve riders' needs.
Through a variety of educational resources, NARHA helps individuals start and maintain therapeutic riding programs. NARHA's standards provide basis for maintaining a safe therapeutic riding environment. NARHA also recommends guidelines for selecting riders who are suitable and appropriate for therapeutic riding activities. Other educational resources include regional workshops, annual conferences and regional and state networks.
The Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club, Inc. is proud to be a center member of NARHA and our Program Director, Bernadette Olsen, is a NARHA certified Advanced Instructor.
Member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
NARHA Center Number: 72757
