Will Rogers once said; “There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.”

This has never been truer as the modern horse takes on the role of therapist in today's special needs community. At TERI's Therapeutic Equestrian Program, we lend our own unique perspective and design to join with other TERI programs in enhancing motor skills, balance, coordination, self-esteem, confidence and the courage to dream of things once impossible in the hearts of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Our students face many challenges within a range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities, such as Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Brain Injury, and Seizure Disorders. The objective of our program is unique in that it aims to address not only a wide array of these disabilities, but also a greater influence of Autism & Autistic Spectrum Disorders, as well as learning disabilities. The riding program helps its participants strengthen and tone muscles; improve balance, flexibility, head control, and hand-eye coordination; improve concentration; and enhance patience and self-esteem. Problem behaviors often disappear as children help groom, feed, and care for the horses in the program.

In mapping our goals, one thing stands out foremost as the compass point - to create the opportunity for success! We do this through a well coordinated, yet relaxed program of basic horsemanship, gymnastics, physical therapy, sensory integration, and game playing designed to meet attainable therapeutic goals while building on existing abilities and strengths. This program also serves as a vocational training location for adults with disabilities who are able to take great pride in every achievement. It encourages independence and focus in an environment that brings joy and fulfillment.

TERI's equestrian program is also a community service/volunteer site where we are fortunate to have a solid base of enthusiastic volunteers - people with a generosity of spirit. New volunteers are greatly appreciated as they share in that one motivating factor, to improve not only the quality of life for our students, but the quality of the moment. Moments when all things come together on that one special horse, to uplift, challenge, strengthen and heal.

Thank you to TERI's Therapetuic Equestrian Friends & Supporters:

Harriet E. Pfleger Foundation

Certified Horseman's Association
www.cha-ahse.org

Creekside Veterinary Services
www.creeksidevets.net

Los Vallecitos Riders Club
www.lvrclub.com

North American Riding for the Handicapped Association
www.narha.org

Reins of Fallbrook
www.reinsprogram.org

Vallecitos Spurs Gymkhana Club
www.vspurs.com

Jenell Tiffany, Director of Therapeutic Equestrian

A native Californian and lifelong horsewoman, Jenell earned her Horsemasters certification from the Potomac Horse Center, Gaithersburg Maryland, and then continued her equine education within the racing stable of legendary Eclipse Award winner and Hall of Fame trainer, Charlie Whittingham.

Later, while working at the San Luis Rey Thoroughbred Training Center, and seeing the risks which seem to go hand in hand with horses, she received an Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Palomar College, as she believes "You can never be too prepared."

After a career in horse farm management, Jenell came to TERI in 1993 to learn as much about autism and developmental disabilities as possible. She became Director of the Therapeutic Equestrian program in 2000, is a registered NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) instructor, currently pursuing her advanced certifications.

She enjoys playing acoustic guitar, collecting ethnic art, fly fishing, and spending time with her horses. 

For information on how to Volunteer with the Therapeutic Equestrian program, please click here.