We accept riders aged 2 through adult. Riders without developmental delays can ride as young as 2. 

PATH Intl, the premier certifying body for equine assisted activities, requires we wait to provide mounted therapeutic riding lessons until age 4 due to the possibility of global developmental delays slowing cranial closure.

We are happy to provide unmounted therapeutic lessons prior to age 4.

Our weight limit is set with the safety of our horses in mind. At this time our horses can safely carry up to 180 pounds. 

We must verify that we can safely mount and dismount every rider before accepting him/her into our therapeutic riding program. Please talk to Teresa to make sure we can provide a safe riding environment for your participant!

Every lesson is adapted to the individual needs of the rider, but the general structure is as follows:
 

• Groom and tack the horse​

• Unmounted balance activities for the horse

• Ride time

• Cool down

• Untacking

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Lesson length always includes the above structure. Once a student is proficient in grooming and tacking he/she can arrive early and get started so the horse is ready at the start of the lesson. 

North Star does it's best to keep the instructor the same each week. We do, however, reserve the right to substitute instructors if necessary.

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Unless a student is leasing a horse we do not guarantee the same horse every week. Every horse has strengths that riders will benefit from at different points in their riding journey. 

To keep costs low we just ask that families purchase their own ASTM certified equestrian helmet (non-equestrian helmets are not safe for riding) and boots with a low heel. Students that are unable to wear riding boots due to orthoses are welcome to wear closed-toed shoes and we will use safety stirrups.

We are happy to lend a riding helmet for the first lesson. 

You must always wear long pants while riding.