Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center Inc.

Individuals with disabilities experience many physical, emotional, and cognitive hurdles, along with obstacles to inclusion and a sense of normalcy. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center offers a secure and supportive space for individuals with disabilities to enhance their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, fostering a sense of belonging and equality. 

Impact

Pat

More than 15 years ago, Pat’s life changed forever with a diagnosis of ALS—a progressive disease that gradually takes away movement, speech, and independence. Doctors told Pat that most people with ALS live just two to five years.

Then Pat discovered something unexpected: hope on horseback.

After meeting another person living with ALS who described therapeutic riding as exhilarating and liberating, Pat decided to find out if riding was possible. That search led to Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center—and more than 10 years later, Pat is still riding every week.

At CTRC, Pat found far more than a riding program. With the support of dedicated volunteers, staff, and a remarkable horse, riding helped improve Pat’s strength, balance, and mobility. But the greatest impact went beyond the physical. CTRC gave Pat confidence, purpose, connection, and a renewed sense of what might still be possible.

For Pat, the horses became a source of joy. The people became a community. And the time in the saddle became a place of freedom in a life increasingly shaped by limitations.

Your support of Paint the Pony helps make moments like these possible—giving people with disabilities the opportunity to discover strength, connection, and possibility at CTRC.

Keldon

For Keldon, the farm offers something he desperately needs: space to breathe, animals to connect with, and people who meet him where he is. During his equine-assisted therapy sessions, he can talk with his therapist about school, friendships, and whatever is on his mind, all while working hands-on with the horses.

The horses have become an especially important part of his experience. Being around them is calming, and Keldon forms strong bonds with the animals he cares for. Even on days when he doesn’t want to go to CTRC, he always leaves glad that he did.

Over the past 18 months, Keldon has learned tools to regulate his emotions, set boundaries, and communicate in safe and healthy ways. His mom says the behaviors that once felt overwhelming have become “a lot smaller.”

At CTRC, Keldon has found more than therapy. He has found a place where he can be himself, open up, feel capable, and feel good about who he is.

Your gift to Paint the Pony helps create these safe spaces of connection and growth for children like Keldon, where a horse, a caring therapist, and a 39-acre farm can help a child find his way forward.

Zachary

When Zachary first came to Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center, he was a quiet, guarded 8-year-old who often stood back from the world. Diagnosed with autism at age two, Zachary struggled with sensory processing, physical touch, trust, and asking questions. After experiencing bullying at school, his confidence and sense of belonging had suffered deeply.

Then he met the horses at CTRC.

Two years later, his mom, Jessica, says the change is remarkable. Through riding, caring for horses, and learning to guide them, Zachary has discovered confidence, curiosity, responsibility, and trust. He asks questions. He wants to learn. He is willing to try new things. And, perhaps most importantly, he believes in himself.

“If you had asked me two years ago if I ever thought I would see my son on a horse, my answer would have been no. But look at him now.”

For Zachary, CTRC has become much more than a place to ride. It has become a place where he feels capable, connected, and valued; a place where he can shine.

“He holds his head a little higher,” Jessica says. “My son has found his light again.”

Your gift to Paint the Pony helps open that door for children like Zachary, giving them the opportunity to discover confidence, connection, and a belief in what they can achieve.