Horse-Partnered Learning for Neurodiverse Individuals

Silver Saddle offers equine-assisted learning experiences for autistic individuals and those with ADHD or differences in attention, regulation, and sensory processing. Every session is personalized and thoughtfully paced to support communication, executive functioning, self-regulation, confidence, and meaningful connection

Individual

45-minute private session

A personalized, one-on-one horse-partnered learning experience designed around each participant's strengths, interests, and goals. Through thoughtfully facilitated, ground-based activities, participants strengthen communication, executive functioning, self-regulation, confidence, and meaningful connection.

Small Group

90-minute shared session

A shared learning experience where participants work together through thoughtfully facilitated horse-partnered activities. Collaborative experiences create natural opportunities to strengthen communication, cooperation, flexible thinking, and problem-solving while each participant receives individualized support.

Research-Informed Practice

Our approach is informed by current research, professional standards from the California Horsemanship Association (CHA), the principles of PATH Intl., and decades of experience in education, equine-assisted services, and neurodiversity-informed practice.

While every participant's experience is unique, emerging research suggests that thoughtfully facilitated interactions with horses may support growth in:

  • Communication

  • Executive functioning

  • Self-regulation

  • Confidence and self-esteem

  • Attention and self-awareness

  • Social engagement and relationship-building

What to Expect

  • Participants work with horses, miniature horses, and trained therapy dogs based on the goals of each session.

  • Activities may include grooming, leading, observing, obstacle courses, cooperative challenges, and other hands-on learning experiences.

  • Sessions begin with goal setting and conclude with guided reflection to reinforce learning and celebrate progress.

  • Programming is primarily ground-based, with mounted activities at the walk incorporated when appropriate.

  • Individualized pacing aligned with each participant's strengths, readiness and goals.

What to Wear

  • Closed-toed shoes

  • Comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement

Sessions take place outdoors and are primarily ground-based, so dress comfortably for the weather and for working closely with animals. Choose clothing you don't mind getting a little dusty—or receiving the occasional horse "kiss."

How to Begin?

Getting started is easy. Complete our brief inquiry form, and we'll contact you to learn about your goals, answer your questions, and help determine the program that's the best fit.

We work with California's Self-Determination Program (SDP) and offer discounted package pricing for multiple sessions.