Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy

A non-profit organization designed to empower individuals with the beauty of horses.

"founded under the clear blue skies of Nebraska."

270388 County Road U

Gering, NE 69341

308-783-2319

What is Buckboard Therapeutic Riding Academy?

Buckboard offers therapeutic equine-assisted activities and pleasure horseback riding to disabled adults and children.  This program combines instruction in traditional horsemanship skills with the concepts of physical therapy.  The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement, and thi movement brings responses in the patient, and then is used in combination with other treatment strategies to achieve the desired results.

How Does a Session Work?

A session at Buckboard begins with the rider developing a bond with the horse through brushing and talking to him, saddling him with a special therapy saddle, and going through the different therapy activities Buckboard offers.  Each rider is required to wear a gate belt and a helmet for safety purposes.  The rider then mounts their horse from the ground or with the assistance of a ramp or steps, depending on the specific disability.  Each rider also has the assistance of three side walkers to lead the horse and assist the rider staying on the horse.  The instructor, with the assistance of a therapist, develops a program to meet the needs of each rider and guides them through their activities during each session.  At the end of each session, the rider unsaddles the horse, brushes him down, and gives him a treat!

History of Buckboard

Buckboard was organized in 1998, with the goal of providing all disabled persons, young and old, with the opportunity to experience the healing power of Therapeutic Riding.  Buckboard has assisted hundreds of disabled persons from the Nebraska Panhandle through its unique combination of therapy riding, riding struction, and recreational riding.  The program provides services to meet the specific needs of each individual rider, regardless of age or disability.

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