River Valley Riders
Individual and Family ServicesMinnesota, United States2-10 Employees
River Valley Riders is a small, Woodbury-based organization delivering equine-assisted services for people with special needs. Its offerings include therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving, designed to foster a supportive community and a connection between participants and horses. The program serves more than 150 participants with various disabilities and relies on an extensive volunteer network and 16 horses to operate. Research is cited to indicate potential physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits from therapeutic riding, including improvements in balance, coordination, and self-esteem. Operating within the individual and family services sector, the organization emphasizes educational activities during lessons to support hand-eye coordination and communication, along with reading and math skills.