Therapeutic
Riding & Driving
Achieving Through Partnership
At MapleStone Farm TRC, we hold the partnership between horse and human with high regard. This is why we strive to form bonds between our horses and are participants so that all parties involved see the most benefit.
Therapeutic riding and driving allows a myriad of individuals to participate in assisted equine activities. Carriage and cart driving offers an alternative equine experience for both the rider and equine.
Individuals who benefit from the comfort and stability of a horse drawn vehicle may choose to drive for the duration of one of our six week sessions. MapleStone Farm TRC offers a variety of horses and ponies to suit all riding and driving needs.
Therapeutic riding lessons focus on teaching riding skills promoting balance, coordination, and most importantly, fun! Lessons are tailored to the needs of each individual and opportunities to continually challenge and broaden learning horizons are numerous! Have a sense of adventure? Why not take your lesson out on the sensory trail and see how many friendly creatures you can spot?
Therapeutic driving lessons involve learning about harnessing, carriages and cars, as well as using driving skills to complete obstacle courses and driving patterns. With over two miles of groomed carriage trails and obstacle course on site, MapleStone Farm offers both a challenging and safe environment for new and seasoned drivers alike.
Currently, MapleStone Farm TRC is using both carts and carriages in our program. We hope to become part of the growing program called Horses for Heros organized by NARHA. The goal of this program is to provide veterans with the opportunity to learn and participate in the wonderful world of carriage driving! We are currently fundraising to purchase a specially manufactured wheelchair/power-scooter accessible cart. If you would like to aid us please see our donations page or click on the link horses for heros flyer.jpg to download an informational flyer. Monetary donations $25.00 and over will be commemorated by having the donor’s name(s) on a plaque that will be affixed to the cart. See the cart pictured at the left (top).
Current Rates
Each six week session consists of six 30 minute private lessons.
Therapeutic Riding Lessons : $300.00
Therapeutic Driving Lessons: $360.00
Funding for Lessons
Scholarships for TR are available to students in need based on donations made to MapleStone. If you are interested in donating for this specific purpose, please click on the Donations tab.
In your search for funding you may want to investigate medical savings accounts for reimbursement for therapeutic riding lessons.
Volunteerism
Side-walker Volunteers
-Must be 14 years or older
-Acts as a spotter for mounted participants
-Observe safety protocols
-Help set up arena obstacles
-Groom & Tack up horses
Prior horse experience is helpful but not required. A willing attitude is essential in interacting with the participants, volunteers and parents. All side-walkers must attend Volunteer Training. Training sessions will include hands-on experiences in simulated or actual lessons.
Stable Volunteers
- Must be 14 years and older
-Tack & Cart/Carriage Maintenance
- Grooming
-Exercise horses
This is a great way to earn your community service hours! Prior horse experience is required for horse exercise. MapleStone Farm Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center Staff and adult will supervise Stable Volunteers.
If you would like more information about volunteering or if you would like to become a volunteer, please download a copy of our Volunteerism Informational Packet. Simply complete the application and mail to:
MapleStone Farm LLC
PO Box 588
Acton, ME 04001-5014
