Hippotherapy

I want to open a therapeutic riding center when I get older?

Hi, I am only 13 years old, but I am planning on opening a therapeutic riding center for mentally and physically disbaled children when I get older. Can anyone tell me what classes I should take in highschool, what courses in collage would help, what colage to go to, and how much a therapeutic riding center cost. Any other information would be great as well! I know I'm young, but I have had this dream for years, and I like to be ready for the future. Thanks to everyone who answers! oh, by the way, I've been riding horses since I was 6, and now I own a horse so I know how to take care of a horse, and how to ride, and I have alot of experience around horses. Also, do I need any special degrees for this? Thanks!!!!

Public Comments

1. to just open up a therapetic riding center you will probably will want to go to college for a buisnees owning degree. But other than that just do good in math and keep your goals set.
2. If your school has it, take a child development course. My school has one and we actually run a preschool. Also, take psychology if your school offers it. It will help you understand mentally disabled people. Good luck!
3. Wow i just answered another question about this. You should think about majoring in physical therapy, and find a college that has a hippotherapy program. There are certain certifications you have to get, as well as getting your facility certified and your horses certified as well. It helps to have ponies, too, so it's easier to work with people who need assistance sitting up and whatnot. Look up the other question, I have a better answer there.
4. You need to decide if your organization will be non-profit (I volunteer at a non-profit therapy ranch). Also, decide if you will be doing physical therapy or EPA (equine assisted psychotherapy). Know that EPA is harder to market and that no matter your kind of therapy, you will need to have a market of some kind for it. As for HS classes, stay involved with horses- there is always more to learn, ALWAYS, from basic first aid and vaccs (cut down on vet bills) to training (very useful) to learning programs (tailored to what you want to do). Really, no class will take the place of experience- volunteer at a therapy ranch. In college, you need to take (obviously) horse classes, human first aid, and psychology. No degree is required to own or operate the ranch, as it will be private, but all these things will be useful. Also- take a business class- you'll need it, believe me. Horses are extremely expensive. VERY expensive. If you own a therapy ranch, be prepared for these expenses by asking for donations from local businesses and hosting annual/biannual benifits. Involve the horses with "sponser a horse programs", and be prepared to diversify your ranch- offer trail rides, boarding, lessons and on-site parties to offset costs. Be sure that you are working with a team of people who are as passionate about this work as you are, and have at least one full-time volunteer under the age of 18 all the time- take it from someone who learned alot that way- It's an irreplaceable gift. Good luck!
5. iuno
6. I'd start by finding a therapeutic riding program near you and start to volunteer. By the time you are an adult and ready to operate your own program - you will have had some great hands on experience! In college I'd take classes to be certified to deal with physical and mental disabilities. Since you have been involved with horses since you were 6 you will probably know most of what you need to care for the horses- so I'd focus on getting training on dealing with mentally and physically disabled children. Maybe a degree in special education?