Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship

10/07/2025

Horses reveal their thoughts and feelings with their body language and behavior. They do not ask, demand, or expect anything from us. They want to feel safe, comfortable, and get along.

Dr. Grandin reports that there is often a special connection or identification that occurs when an autistic person begins to interact with a horse. She points to a possible basis for this, stating that both horses and autistic people think in pictures, not words or verbal language, and both are hyperspecific. Whether it's a horse or a human, we are both powerfully attracted to that which is most familiar.

10/02/2025

Meet Archie! Some days, all you need is a really good scratch. Whether it’s a rub on his withers or scratches on his neck, he’s living his best life. 🐴♥️

09/29/2025

Horses really are the best listeners. When you say things out loud, it helps your brain sort through what’s going on. And with a horse, it’s even more powerful—they don’t judge, they just tune in. Horses can feel the shifts in your energy as you talk, and sometimes their response shows you what you didn’t even realize you were carrying.
Sometimes all we need is a quiet moment, a trusted horse, and the space to let the words out.

09/28/2025

Nothing like a refreshing drink of water! Did you know horses can drink 5–15 gallons of water a day depending on their size, diet, and weather—and while eating they can make up to 10 gallons of saliva to help chew and digest their food? Staying hydrated isn’t just important for us, it’s just as important for our horses! 🐴

09/26/2025

One of the things we love is watching how our horses and participants respond to each other—and it’s always nice when research backs it up. 💜
When a horse has the freedom to choose—whether to come close, step away, or accept touch—the connection is so much stronger. We’ve seen participants learn to notice the horse’s body language, like when they lean in for a hug, wait patiently for a carrot, or simply stand quietly because they want to, not because they have to.
A new study in Applied Animal Behaviour Science confirms this. Horses showed less stress and more calm when they had the option to say yes or no to touch. That choice not only builds trust, it also helps participants grow in awareness and makes every interaction safer and more positive for both horse and human.
Study: sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159125001960

09/25/2025

Spending time with horses is about more than fun—it helps kids grow in lots of ways. The gentle movement of a horse relaxes muscles and helps with coordination, balance, and posture. For kids with challenges like cerebral palsy, it can even improve stability and confidence. And caring for a horse—grooming, leading, or just being around them—helps kids focus and manage their energy. Being with a horse helps kids build skills they can carry into everyday life.

09/24/2025

We had so much fun exploring idioms with our horses this week! Each story included a phrase and a challenge—like opening a padlock, connecting a circuit board, shooting baskets, or even juggling! After reading, we searched the arena to discover the meaning of each idiom.
Woody, our trusty practice horse, helped out with “hold your horses.” One participant took it to heart—wrapping his arms around his horse’s neck for the best kind of “holding your horse.” 💜
It turns out learning language is a whole lot easier (and way more fun) when a horse is part of the adventure.

09/17/2025

We are excited for the Big Give to kick off today at 6 PM! Here’s why we do this work:
For the veteran who finds a sense of peace with a calm horse beside him.
For the child who discovers courage they didn’t know they had.
For the horses who give their hearts every day to help people grow, heal, and believe in themselves.
Your support keeps our horses cared for and makes more moments of growth and healing possible. Join us to create even more moments: https://www.thebiggivesa.org/organizations/upward-transitions-therapeutic-horsemanship

09/10/2025

Fall session is here, and our hearts are full! There’s nothing quite like seeing our riders’ smiles light up the arena. 💜 Through the power of horses, disabilities become possibilities, confidence grows, and friendships blossom.
Early giving for The Big Give starts today, and every gift helps care for the herd that makes these moments—and healing—possible. Join us in celebrating new beginnings and supporting the kids and families who discover strength and hope here: https://www.thebiggivesa.org/organizations/upward-transitions-therapeutic-horsemanship

09/09/2025

A fun flashback 🎓🐴
As the new school year begins, it’s a great reminder that friendships can come in all shapes and sizes—even four-legged! Graduation is even more special when you get to share it with your horse. Our horses aren’t just partners in learning—they become friends who celebrate life’s milestones right alongside our participants. 💜

09/08/2025

Rainy days = happy horses!
Cooler temps, squishy mud, the perfect recipe for a good roll 🙂🙃🙂
Did you know? Horses roll in mud not just for fun—it’s like nature’s spa treatment:
✨ Helps scratch itches
🛡️ Creates a natural bug repellent layer
🌿 Acts as sunscreen
We love them even when they are muddy!! 💜😉

09/07/2025

Horses Help Kids Shine Bright! 🐴🌟
Whether brushing, leading, or riding, horses meet kids exactly where they are. For children with special needs, these moments create powerful growth. 💙
Research shows that after just 10 weeks of equine activities, kids had better social skills, stronger communication, and less irritability—and the benefits lasted for several months!
From the ground to the saddle, every step with a horse builds confidence, calm, and connection.

Children with autism spectrum have immediate and long-term benefits from therapeutic horseback riding, researchers show