Therapeutic Horse Riding Program

Canyon Acres Therapeutic Horse Riding Program
Located at Canyon Acres Children’s Treatment Center “The Ranch” in Anaheim Hills

Canyon Acres’ Therapeutic Horse Riding Program is a PATH Premiere Accredited center.

There is something magical about the bond between a horse and a child. The authentic environment, the lowering of defenses and the natural progression of trust help children heal by building a relationship with the horse. This is done through the youth caring for the horse, bonding, and having opportunities to build their self esteem when riding. The program allows for creativity, assertiveness, leadership, teamwork, and positive relationships.

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Why Horses?

• Horses are herd-animals. They have personalities, are social beings, and can teach a lot about communication.
• Horses know how to keep themselves safe. They use their senses and trust each other. Children can learn from this, learning the non-verbal language of a horse.
• The size of a horse can be intimidating at first. Once a relationship is established, a healthy control of a horse empowers the children and their self esteem.

Meet Our Horses

	Seria celebrated her 30th birthday this year! She has been at Canyon Acres since 1997 and has become the face of the Canyon Acres Therapeutic Riding Program. Seria is enjoying her well earned retirement but continues to work giving back scratches to anyone who will give her a shoulder rub. She loves grooming and treats from the kids.
	Buddy is a 19 year old dark bay Quarter Horse gelding.  He is a retired track pony and is truly a “been there, done that” kind of guy.  He is patient and calm and is a wonderful, trustworthy friend to the kids.
	Firefly is a sorrel colored American miniature that is used for grooming, leading and other silly activities. She has been with us since November of 2008 and will celebrate her 12th birthday this year!. She’s a mischievous and spunky horse, providing lots of entertainment and laughs to the children.
	Fred is a 16 year old Thoroughbred gelding that joined Canyon Acres in May 2009. He is a retired race horse and show jumper that now thoroughly enjoys his job being cuddly and affectionate towards kids. Standing 16.3 hands, he might look intimidating and tall, but he’s sensitive and safe, mellow and trusting, making him a great example to teach social skills and reading body language of others.
	Our newest herd member is Delta, a nine year old Paint Horse.  She is an experienced drill team and gymkhana horse and has already been teaching some of our more experienced riders about trust, leadership and communication.  Delta is very friendly and curious about every new visitor to the barn and loves to show the kids her favorite spots to be brushed.
Chickens
	The chickens are the newest addition to our program. They arrived to the program as 2 day old hatchlings, and the children have loved caring for them and watching them grow. After much anticipation, we recently celebrated the chickens first eggs with an “Egg-stravaganza” party. The chickens have taught the kids a lot about teamwork and patience.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
Sandy Benson Chandelle Humphries Linden Family Foundation

To learn more about the Therapeutic Horse Riding Program, contact Kim Green at k.green@canyonacres.org or Michelle Merton at m.merton@canyonacres.org
Barn Phone: 714-998-9823

Volunteer opportunities are available. If interested, please contact please contact (714)383-9400 orplease contact (714)383-9400 or info@canyonacres.org.