Therapeutic Riding of Tucson was created in 1974 and was one of the first programs of its kind in the United States.
TROT says, "adaptive or therapeutic riding contributes positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people ages 5 and older with disabilities"
A recent study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, shows children with autism who took therapeutic horseback riding lessons became less irritable and showed improvements compared to children who didn't ride.
Classes at TROT are held in group or in private. If needed, a new rider may be assisted by two volunteer side walkers, who walk alongside the horse and another person who directs the horse as it walks.
"Because horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, riders with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength."
