Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding Programme
Building confidence, wellbeing and meaningful connections through horses
The Therapeutic Riding Programme at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club has been developed in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, with Mubadala Foundation as the founding partner. Together, we are committed to creating opportunities for selected participants to benefit from the positive impact of therapeutic riding in a safe, inclusive and professionally supported environment.
Designed for selected participants identified through Ma’an and its partner entities, the programme provides structured therapeutic riding sessions in a safe, supportive environment. Through meaningful interactions with horses, participants have the opportunity to build confidence, develop practical skills, improve wellbeing, and enjoy positive new experiences.
What is Therapeutic Riding?
Therapeutic riding uses horse riding and horse care activities to support physical, emotional, cognitive and social development. Each session is tailored to the individual, with activities designed around their abilities, goals and comfort level. Working with horses encourages participants to develop communication, balance, coordination and self-confidence, while enjoying an engaging and rewarding experience.
Beyond the riding itself, spending time with horses can help foster trust, responsibility, emotional awareness and a sense of achievement in a calm and welcoming environment.
About the Programme
Every participant follows a programme designed to meet their individual needs, with guidance from our qualified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and dedicated support team.
Sessions may include:
- Meeting and grooming the horse
- Learning how to safely interact with and care for horses
- Mounted riding activities tailored to individual abilities
- Balance, coordination and communication exercises
- Building confidence through achievable goals and positive experiences
By combining structured activities with the unique connection between horse and rider, the programme supports participants in developing practical skills while encouraging independence, resilience and wellbeing.
Delivered by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club in partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an and funded by Mubadala Foundation as founding partner, the Therapeutic Riding Programme is offered free of charge to eligible participants.
Our Therapy Horses
Our therapy horses are at the heart of the programme. Each horse is carefully selected for its temperament, patience and reliability, making them well suited to working alongside participants in a therapeutic setting. They receive the highest standards of care from our experienced equestrian team, ensuring their health, welfare and wellbeing are always prioritised.
Every horse is thoughtfully matched with participants to create a positive and comfortable experience where trust and confidence can develop naturally over time.
Apply for Therapeutic Riding
If you or someone you care for would like to take part in the Therapeutic Riding Programme, please complete the form below. Applications are reviewed together with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, and our team will be in touch regarding availability. All information you share is treated in strict confidence.
Join us as a Volunteer
Our volunteers are an essential part of every session, walking alongside participants and horses to help create a safe, encouraging environment where confidence can grow.
Whether you have equestrian experience or are simply keen to give your time, full training and support are provided by our Therapeutic Riding Instructor and support team. It is a rewarding way to be part of meaningful moments, meet like-minded people and see first-hand the difference horses can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Therapeutic Equine Programme offers individually tailored mounted and unmounted equine assisted sessions at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. It supports People of Determination, senior citizens, and vulnerable children and adolescents in our community.
The programme supports three groups: People of Determination, senior citizens, and vulnerable children and adolescents. We regularly support riders with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, developmental disabilities, and emotional or behavioural challenges.
Please complete the application form. Our Therapeutic team will review your application and contact you to discuss the next steps.
Sessions are free for riders who hold a valid People of Determination card or a clinical diagnosis, along with a valid Emirates ID. The programme is proudly funded by Mubadala Foundation in partnership with Ma’an.
Every new rider has an assessment with our instructor, following PATH International guidelines. We will ask about medical history, needs and goals so sessions can be planned safely around each individual.
Every rider is assessed individually. Where riding is not suitable, unmounted sessions may be offered instead. Please tell us about any changes to health, medication or needs before the next session.
Sessions last 30 minutes and may be one to one or in a small group. Frequency is agreed individually during the application process.
Sessions usually include grooming and caring for the horse, preparing the horse for riding, riding activities that build movement, balance and coordination, and a closing moment of praise and connection with the horse.
Sessions may be mounted, unmounted, or a combination of both, depending on what best supports the rider on the day. Some riders also use our riding simulator.
That is completely normal. Sessions are paced individually, and our team helps every rider build confidence gradually and at their own pace.
Sessions are delivered by our experienced therapeutic riding instructors, supported by trained volunteers and grooms. The programme follows the standards and guidelines of PATH International and the Riding for the Disabled Association.
Sessions take place at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, mainly in our air-conditioned indoor arena, with outdoor arenas used when appropriate.
Yes. Please let us know about any access needs in advance so we can prepare for your visit.
Comfortable, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and legs, and closed toe shoes. Please avoid loose jewellery. Helmets are provided and must be worn for all mounted activities.
Please speak with your instructor about viewing arrangements, as these vary depending on each rider’s programme.
Please give at least 48 hours notice of any absence. We are unable to offer make up sessions, so riders continue at their next scheduled session.
ADEC has a safeguarding policy in line with UAE law. All staff and volunteers meet our safeguarding requirements, and riders are always supervised by an instructor.
Progress is recorded after every session, and regular reviews let families see achievements and developments over time. All records are kept confidential.
Yes. Please complete the volunteer application form on our website.
Yes. You can view our complaints policy and share feedback using our complaints form.