Opening Our Hearts and Barn Doors to Individuals with Disabilities

For a holistic healing experience that goes beyond the saddle

Horses Connect Beyond Words

Individuals with disabilities desire to reach their full potential, while being loved as they are. However, communication and physical barriers often make them feel misunderstood and lost. Horses have an extraordinary ability to connect with individuals in ways that words often can't.

At SoléAna Stables, we serve individuals with a wide range of disabilities through our Therapeutic Riding program.

The joy of riding, the sensation of movement that mirrors theirs, and the trust forged between horse and Rider all contribute to a holistic healing experience that goes beyond the saddle. As Riders look into the Horse’s eyes and touch their coats, they truly feel seen and understood.

What are the Benefits of Equine-Assisted Services for Individuals with Disabilities?

The physical benefits of riding a horse are numerous. A horse’s three dimensional movement is similar to the gait of a human, giving the Rider the feeling and mental images of strengthening their own walking. We also foster a social environment that helps Riders confront anxiety and fears while improving their general well-being, self-esteem and confidence. Riders focus on building skills that result in the following:

Increased Social Connection

By practicing trust, empathy, and communication skills, which in turn translates to improved peer relationships and connections.

Improved Emotional
Well-Being

By building self-esteem, managing stress, and developing coping mechanisms.

Better Balance

By engaging Riders in activities that require physical coordination and stability.

Improved Motor Development & Coordination

By engaging Riders in activities that require precise movements and balance.

Increased Muscle Control & Strength

By engaging a wide range of muscle groups, which promotes physical development and coordination.

Improved Posture

By encouraging Riders to develop core strength and balance, leading to better overall alignment and posture.

Better Overall Body Awareness

By encouraging Riders to become attuned to their body's movements and sensations, leading to greater self-awareness and mindfulness.

Improved Verbal & Non-Verbal Communication

By helping Riders to convey their intentions and emotions through a combination of words and body language, improving their overall ability to communicate with others.

Caregivers Need a Break Too

You're not alone and we see you. Your loved one means the world to you, and sometimes you need a little time to refresh yourself. During our lessons, parents and caregivers get a chance to take a break.
Relax with a Cup of Coffee
Catch up with a Friend on the Phone
Build Community with Each Other

SoléAna Stables Therapeutic Riding Program

Our Founders, Sasha and Andrew Camacho, understand firsthand the challenges individuals with disabilities face. Their youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome, and through the years, they have seen the transformative healing power that horses have, which is embraced by the SoléAna Stables team. Through their patient guidance, Riders are given a safe space to explore, learn, and achieve milestones they might never have dreamed possible. We teach Riders to give verbal and non-verbal commands to the horse, which improves their communication skills. Ground-based experiences further deepens the bond as the Rider learns basic horsemanship skills.

Our program is tailored to fit the unique needs of each individual. Our PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI) continually reassess and fine-tune goals, making sure that every step forward is celebrated and that new challenges are embraced. Together, we set personalized goals that encompass physical development, emotional well-being, cognitive growth, and social connections. During our lessons, parents and caregivers get a chance to relax with a cup of coffee, catch up with a friend on the phone, and build community with each other, making them also feel seen and not alone.


Lesson Structure

Offered in either 6 week (summer) or 14 week (fall and spring) semesters
Taught in a group setting with no more than four (4) Riders per lesson
Scheduled by skill level, age and availability
Typically 10-15 minutes of grooming, 30-45 minutes of riding and 5 minutes dismounting
Private lessons are offered but with limited availability
NOTE: It is not uncommon for the first few lessons to be 30 minutes or less due to the Riders’ stamina. Our goal is to encourage all our Riders to increase their lesson time to the full 45-50 minutes. The majority of our Riders continue to build on their lessons from one semester to the next.

Guidelines for Participation

Riders must be at least 4 years old. There is no maximum age limit
Maximum weight limit of Rider for mounted activities is 180 lbs
All Riders must wear a helmet
Application includes a Rider Medical History Form which must be filled out and signed by primary care physician indicating that therapeutic riding is safe for the individual​
If your loved ones have any of these contraindications, we may need to discuss if they are a good fit for the program. Click here to view them.

Cost of the Program

Evaluation Fee:
$50 - one-time fee due the day of the evaluation
Weekly Group Lesson Tuition:
Spring and Fall Semester: $700
Summer Semester: $300
Private Lessons:

How to Apply

You don’t have to do life alone. Here’s how we can walk with you on your journey!
Step 1
Fill Out an Interest Form
Tell us who you are and how we can best help you through our short Interest Form. If our programs are full, we will place you on a waitlist until space becomes available. We are excited to get to know you!
Step 2
Apply Online
Once we have availability in the program that fits your unique needs, we will send you a link to fill out the online application, which includes a medical form that must be filled out by your doctor.
Step 3
Participate in Evaluation
After reviewing your application, we will schedule a time for you to take a tour and participate in an on-site evaluation to ensure we can safely accommodate you in our program and to recommend the best class for you.
Step 4
Register to Ride
Officially accept your spot by signing the tuition agreement. You will then attend your first lesson and meet our herd! Together, we will celebrate progress, share victories, and build community.
Fill Out an Interest Form

Sign Up for "Hay There!"

Stay connected by signing up for “Hay There!” to receive information on upcoming events, program highlights, and fun stories about what our horses and Participants have been up to!
Subscribe

FAQs

Yes! Contact us for more information!

No we do not.

Yes, SIRE, Reining Strength and Inspiration Ranch are all PATH Intl Members that we highly recommend.

https://sire-htec.org/

https://www.reiningstrength.org/

https://www.inspirationranch.org/

https://pathintl.org/

Upon arrival, the Participant is greeted by Volunteers. Once in the arena, lessons begin with grooming and bonding with horses. Our Participants then get on the horse with assistance for the remainder of the lesson. On occasion, instead of riding, we do a ground lesson that will focus on horsemanship skills. Group lessons are 45 minutes long.

We encourage Riders to bring their own helmets so that the fit is perfect for them. If you forget your helmet, we do have helmets you can wear so you don't miss your lesson.

We ask that if a horse is tied up near the arena that you please not pet it. They are more than likely taking a break in between lessons, so we want to ensure they are getting that break and moment to themselves before welcoming the next Participant.

Before feeding our horses any snacks, please ask a Staff member. We take great care in what our horses eat and want to make sure they only get what our equine manager has ok’d.

YES! Take all the pictures you would like of your loved one, however please ask before taking pictures of other Participants in your loved ones lesson. Not everyone wants their picture taken.

Absolutely! We just ask that anyone visiting abides by the guidelines you received prior to starting lessons.

All Participants are encouraged to purchase their own helmet. Cost of helmets range from $40-$80 and can be purchased on Amazon.

Although we encourage all families to enjoy a bit of respite during their loved one’s lesson, you are more than welcome to volunteer in any of our programs after receiving the required training.

Fill Out an Interest Form
Helping individuals discover their unbridled potential through equine-assisted services
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SoléAna Stables is a proud Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International).
PATH International is the credentialing organization for accrediting centers and certifying instructors and equine specialists. SoléAna Stables abides by their strict safety guidelines while adding additional standards to further ensure quality of life for horses and riders alike.
713-436-6625
1226 County Road 45
Angleton, TX 77515
Copyright © 2024 SoléAna Stables
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