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Our services

What to Expect from the Program

Willow Creek Ranch operates under the standards and regulations of NARHA. Our NARHA center membership reaffirms the success of staff and volunteers to provide a safe and effective environment at all times.

Our therapeutic riding lessons are offered by NARHA registered instructors, who will lead the lesson through riding exercises specifically designed to address and improve the rider’s needs. Lessons are 45 minutes and have 4-5 riders participating. They focus on therapeutic goals and objectives derived from the evaluation that is done prior to their first lesson.

Diagnoses commonly treated, but not limited to:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHA)
  • Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Downs Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Sensory Integration Issues
  • Traumatic Brain Injury
  • Blindness

Willow Creek Ranch’s staff is highly skilled in developing and delivering therapeutic riding programs to address physical and cognitive challenges. Since our start in 2007, over 20 different diagnoses have been treated.

Rider Qualifications:

Riders must be at least three years of age to participate in the therapeutic riding program. There is no maximum age, as long as the rider has no physical or medical contraindications.

In order to ensure safety and well-being, riders must have proper release forms signed by a physician and must be evaluated by one of our volunteer licensed occupational or physical therapy, prior to riding. WCR's team will then design individual plans tailored to the rider’s ability and needs.

Frequent evaluations and weekly notes of each rider’s progress are made by our staff.

We assign participants to the appropriate horse and riding equipment based on the results of the preliminary evaluation conducted by our volunteer licensed therapists.

Program Fee:

There are four sessions each year, and each session averages 9 weeks in length.

* Tuition is $225 per riding session (9 weeks)

Extensive fund raising allows Willow Creek Ranch to charge moderate fees for therapeutic riding lessons.  Fees may be paid in installments: half may be paid during the first week of lessons and the remainder due by week five.  Payment in full is requested by the middle of each session.

Absence Policy

Consideration for Willow Creek Ranch volunteers and staff is appreciated.  Riders are asked to call Jennifer at 414-791-2509 as soon as possible if you know you will be absent.

Refund Policy

Refunds or credits of lesson fees are available only under the following circumstances:

  1. If a participant must withdraw for medical reasons, a physician’s statement is required.
  2. If a cancellation is initiated by Willow Creek Ranch.

Cancellation by Willow Creek Ranch

  1. Temperature extremes (summer and winter)
  2. High winds, thunderstorms, tornado warnings
  3. Snow and ice storms

Riders are asked to call Jennifer 414-791-2509 if weather is uncertain. If lessons are cancelled every effort will be made to reschedule a makeup lesson. A credit will be applied to the rider’s account when WCR cancels a lesson. Credits must be used by the end of the calendar year.

Clothing Requirements:

  1. A safety helmet (ATSM-SEI approved) must be worn and is provided.
  2. Long pants such as blue jeans, stirrup pants or riding pants.
  3. Protective sun screen, sun glasses, and insect repellant as needed.
  4. Shoes with sturdy heels (oxfords, riding boots) or non-slip soles are recommended. NO sandals or open-toed shoes.

Lesson Policy:

  1. Riders arriving more than 10 minutes late for lessons will not be able to join the class. Fees will not be refunded.
  2. Refunds will be given if a rider withdraws from the entire session due to medical necessity with written notification from the rider’s medical provider. No refunds will be offered for vacations, temporary illness, or unanticipated circumstances.
  3. No dogs are allowed on WCR grounds.
  4. Rider’s with inappropriate clothing (including crocs, sandals, open-toed or open-heeled shoes, shorts or skirts) will not be able to participate. Fees will not be refunded.