Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center

Mission
The mission of the Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center is to provide the highest
quality of equine-assisted therapy to people with disabilities in the South Plains.
Through a collaborative effort of medical and universal professional, our goal is
to enhance the quality of life of each person participating in hippotherapy and therapeutic
riding. It is further a mission of the program to train students in all aspects of
equine-assisted therapy and to contribute to the scientific knowledge in this area
through research.
Facility
The Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center (TTRC) is proud to call the Texas Tech Equestrian
Center home. TTRC uses a sensory trail, where riders can ride over a bridge, through
trees, up and down a hill and feel the wind in their faces. The group also has a fully-enclosed
100 feet by 200 feet arena, built specifically for TTRC. Due to the amount of support
and growth experienced over the last few years, TTRC is currently in the process of
planning and fundraising for a new, state-of-the-art facility. TTRC has completed
construction on Phase I of a new facility.
Programs
Hippotherapy (Hippos- from the Greek word for horse) is a term which refers to the
use of the movement of a horse as a treatment modality by trained physical, occupational,
and speech therapist. The horse's stride provides sensory input through movement that
is variable, rhythmic, and repetitive. The horse is used as a part of an integrated
treatment program to achieve functional outcomes. The movement of the horse as it
is walking occurs in the same planes of motion that a human's pelvis moves when he/she
is walking. A rider seated astride a horse has normal movement translated into their
pelvis as they ride. Riding horses relaxes tight muscles, improves strength, coordination
and motor skills, and stimulates the respiratory and vestibular systems as well as
neurological activity.

Clients who benefit from hippotherapy may have the following: abnormal tone, impaired balance, abnormal reflexes, impaired coordination, impaired communication, poor postural control, decreased mobility, or sensory-motor dysfunction. Some of the diagnoses seen in hippotherapy are, but not limited to cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, chromosomal abnormalities, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular accident, fetal alcohol syndrome, sensory-motor dysfunction, and sensory-processing dysfunction.
Equine-Assisted Activities
Therapeutic riding uses equine-assisted activities for the purpose of contributing
positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people
with disabilities. After an assessment by the therapeutic riding instructor, the clients
are taught to ride based on their skills and learning styles. During the evaluation
a therapeutic riding instructor will assess the client's needs and check for any contraindications
or precautions to riding based on Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
International guidelines. Modifications of track, involvement of volunteers, and horse
selections are based on the client's special needs. At TTRC, the emphasis is on an
enjoyable and relaxing experience which provides additional benefits in the areas
of socialization, posture, mobility and an overall improved quality of life. Individuals
with the following disabilities commonly participate and benefit from therapeutic
riding, including muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, down syndrome,
mental retardation, autism, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, emotional disabilities,
brain injuries, amputations, learning disabilities, hearing impairment, and CVA.

Contact
Texas Tech Therapeutic Riding Center
Texas Tech University
Box 42141
Lubbock, TX 79409
Phone: (806) 792-4683
Website
Facebook
Staff
Dr. Heidi Brady
Associate Professor
heidi.brady@ttu.edu
(806) 834-8484
Dr. Leslie Thompson
Professor
leslie.thompson@ttu.edu
(806) 834-8715
Tangi Irwin
TTRC Coordinator
tangela.irwin@ttu.edu
(806) 792-4683
Davis College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources
-
Address
P.O. Box 42123, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2123, Dean’s Office Location: Goddard Building, Room 108 -
Phone
(806)742-2808