Therapeutic Riding of Tucson

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson is changing lives one stride at a time! TROT's mission is to enrich the lives of children and adults with special needs and veterans using equine-assisted activities and therapies to improve physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Established in 1974, Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT) was co-founded by a physical therapist and a master-level equine specialist to offer an alternative therapeutic approach to help children and adults with disabilities. The individuals participating at TROT live with physical and developmental disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, developmental delay, Down's Syndrome, PTSD, depression & anxiety, and other special needs. TROT serves individuals living with disabilities from all economic backgrounds, but a special effort is made to reach those from low-income families, as there is a particular need in our community.

Therapeutic Riding is an activity on horseback that positively contributes to the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Horseback riding rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner similar to the movement created when walking. For individuals who are unable to walk or have difficulty walking, therapeutic riding can provide the same physical and neurological stimulation that walking would normally provide. TROT's therapeutic riding program teaches horseback-riding skills, while using therapeutic activities tailored to each individual rider's educational, physical, social, and recreational goals. Benefits of therapeutic riding are seen to include muscle strengthening, developed confidence and independence, improved communication skills and peer interaction, refined mood regulation, enhanced concentration and memory, and improved overall health.

TROT provides a wide range of program services such as therapeutic riding, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, day camps, and volunteer opportunities. Each program is adaptable and inclusive of those who use a wheelchair and/or scooter for mobility through the use of a mechanical lift that provides a smooth, safe and efficient way to mount the horse. All therapeutic activities are designed to accommodate the diverse and unique needs of these special and underserved riders. TROT receives referrals from partner organizations including human service agencies, health professionals, and local school districts. TROT has provided services to groups from The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind, Tanque Verde School District, Marisol Recovery Center and Sunnyside Unified School District (SUSD). Each collaboration and partnership have proven to be successful and a beneficial therapeutic resource in our community.

TROT continues to be a leader in innovative and therapeutic therapies by maintaining a distinguished title of a Premier Accredited Center by PATH, International. This distinction is highly respected as only 15% of PATH's 850 accredited centers globally have achieved this level of accreditation. TROT is proud to be the only premier accredited program providing life-changing services for children and adults with special needs in the Greater Tucson area.

Testimonials

"Maycee has flourished and made many doctors recant the life-projection that they gave her. When we started coming to TROT at the end of summer 2014, Maycee's anxiety from any sort of physical task was at an all-time high. She walked in a crouch position and her head was bent with her line of vision to the floor. She required maximum assistance in walking and her demeanor was often in an agitated state. Participation only happened by creative tactics from Kristen, her physical therapist at TROT. I can attest that TROT is a magical program. It is an environment that has a peaceful and calming effect. Maycee's anxiety has decreased. She is sitting up on Skittles and looking around and labeling the flag, other horses and vehicles. She is identifying letters and pictures and her mood is lighthearted. You know, how do you measure the value of a person's life and decide to give so a person can continue to get to their next step? Everyone has a different value measuring stick, but I do have to say that for the seven years I have been a resident of Arizona, I have seen what a charitable community it is. As a resident it is promising, but as a mother it is life changing".
- Maycee's Mom

Therapeutic Riding of Tucson (TROT) has given me a sense of hope when I felt all was lost. After trying and falling short with conventional treatment methods for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I desperately searched for alternative treatment options and found TROT.
Going into therapy I had no expectations, but quickly realized the power that this therapy can possess. I was able to let my guard down and open up to connect with the horses in a way that I have never experienced in any other therapy setting...