🧠 Teaching Tuesday: Mounting & Unmounting in Therapeutic Riding & Hippotherapy 🐴

In therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, mounting and unmounting a horse is much more than a transition—it’s a carefully coordinated moment that focuses on safety, dignity, and the individual needs of each rider.

At Butterfly Dreams Farm, we’re proud to create adaptive experiences for riders of all abilities.

Take Sandy, who has cerebral palsy. She uses the mounting ramp along with a gait belt to assist her team in lifting her safely onto the horse. With two trained staff members—one on each side—Sandy is gently and securely supported during the mount. Her determination shines through each session, and her smile once she’s in the saddle says it all.

Then there’s Victoria, who does not have the use of her legs. She also uses the ramp and is able to mount and dismount mostly on her own, with just a little assistance from our team for balance and positioning. Her independence and confidence are an inspiration to everyone who watches.

Each of these riders is paired with a specially trained horse that’s been selected not only for physical suitability, but also for temperament.

🐴 Our horses go through extensive training to:

🌟Enter mounting areas calmly and patiently

🌟Stand perfectly still while a rider mounts or dismounts—no matter how long it takes

🌟Exit the ramp area quietly and smoothly

Some horses are even offered alfalfa snacks during mounting to help them stay relaxed and create a positive association with the process.

Every mount and dismount is a small but powerful part of the journey—built on teamwork, trust, and tailored support.

🎥 Watch our video to see how mounting and unmounting can look different depending on each rider’s needs and abilities.

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