Our Story
“The mission of Jacobs’ Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center is to provide equine related activities to individuals with special needs. Children as young as 4 years old may participate, as well as adults who desire to strengthen their physical bodies, build their self-esteem, gain a sense of independence, learn new skills & make new friends.” Jacobs' Ladder provides therapeutic horseback riding to individuals in the South Georgia & North Florida area. There are no employees, but we rely on our wonderful volunteers to provide services to our approximately 60 riders a week.
Established in 1999, Jacobs' Ladder Therapeutic Riding Center was founded by Glenn & Leslie Jacobs. Jacobs' Ladder is a 501c-3 non-profit organization. Leslie is a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, (PATH International) formerly known as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Jacobs' Ladder goes through reaccreditation every five years & has been a Premier Center since 2003. Kristen Novack is also a PATH Instructor & manages many of the lessons here.
Therapeutic horseback riding provides many benefits to persons with differing challenges in life, whether they be physical, behavioral, or emotional. The gait of a horse is similar to the human walk, it helps strengthen spine and pelvic muscles, improves posture and coordination, and increases joint mobility. Along with physical therapeutic benefits, horseback riding gives people a feeling of control, a sense of accomplishment and increased self-esteem.