Since 1969, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) has provided equine assisted activity and therapy programs in the United States and Canada through its network of nearly 800 member centers. Each year, dozens of new centers initiate new programs and more than 42,000 individuals with special needs participate in activities which include therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine facilitated psychotherapy, equine facilitated learning, driving, interactive vaulting, and competition.

Headquartered in Denver, Colo., NARHA’s mission is to “change and enrich lives by promoting excellence in equine assisted activities.” To accomplish this mission, NARHA fosters safe, professional, ethical, and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, research, and standards. The association ensures its standards are met through an accreditation process for centers and a certification process for instructors.

The therapeutic value of horseback riding goes back centuries although the origin of organized therapeutic riding is relatively recent. The achievements of polio survivor Lis Hartel of Denmark are generally regarded as the impetus for the formation of therapeutic riding centers in Europe. In 1952, she won the silver medal for Grand Prix dressage at the Helsinki Olympics. Medical and equine professionals took notice and soon centers for therapeutic riding sprang up in Europe