Working Animals

Welfare of Horses in Therapeutic Riding Programs

Therapeutic riding programs use horses to support people with disabilities; when well-managed they can benefit both horses and participants, but welfare depends on careful oversight.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Therapeutic riding horse welfare ranges from excellent in programs with genuine welfare monitoring to poor in facilities that treat horses as equipment. PATH certification requires welfare oversight, but many uncertified programs operate without adequate standards.

What You Can Do