LEAD Therapy RidingAt

LEAD Therapeutic Riding is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, offering equine-assisted services to support the well-being and personal development of people with disabilities or other challenges. The organization uses interactions with horses to encourage cognitive, physical, emotional, and social growth, with a focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.

Its services include therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, specialized sibling and family experiences, and ground lessons. Therapeutic riding uses horses as part of an approach intended to contribute to participants’ overall well-being. Equine-assisted learning guides individuals or groups through activities with horses to develop life skills. Ground lessons build horsemanship and relationships without riding, through activities such as horse care, grooming, leading, and lunging. LEAD aims to serve individuals facing a range of needs, including autism, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, anxiety, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. The organization does not charge riders and operates through donations and sponsorships.