Special Needs & Eligibility Guidelines

Applicable to All Leg Up Programs: Riding Lessons, Classes, Clinics, and Summer Camps

Leg Up Equestrian is committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for every student. Because our programs involve horses, group instruction, and hands‑on horsemanship, it is essential that each participant is able to engage safely and independently within the structure of our activities.

To help us determine whether our programs are an appropriate fit, please review the guidelines below and share any special needs or disabilities prior to registration or enrollment.

Our Approach
We welcome riders with a wide range of learning styles and mild support needs. However, due to the physical nature of horseback riding and the safety requirements of a group environment, our staff is not certified or equipped to provide certain types of specialized support.

Our goal is always to ensure:
- A safe environment for all riders and campers
- Appropriate supervision during mounted and unmounted activities
- A positive experience that matches each participant’s abilities and needs

These guidelines apply to all Leg Up programs, including weekly lessons, group classes, clinics, and summer camps.

What We Can Accommodate
We are typically able to support participants who:
- Have mild learning differences
- Benefit from occasional redirection
- Can follow group instructions with minimal assistance
- Can participate safely in a group setting
- Do not require physical support while mounted

What We Are Not Able to Safely Support
For safety reasons, we are not able to accommodate needs that require:
- 1:1 assistance for participation or safety
- Spotting, lifting, or physical support while mounted
- Emotional or behavioral support beyond typical group management
- Continuous individualized supervision
- Specialized training or certifications beyond our staff’s scope
- Assistance to remain engaged, regulated, or safe in a group environment

These limitations are based solely on safety and staff qualifications, not on a child’s diagnosis or abilities outside the riding environment.

Why These Guidelines Matter
All Leg Up programs involve:
- Large animals
- Unpredictable movement
- Multi‑step instructions
- Group‑based activities
- Safety‑critical environments
Participants must be able to follow directions, stay with their group, and participate safely without requiring physical assistance or specialized behavioral support. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Referral Options
If we determine that our program is not the best fit, we may be able to refer families to accredited equestrian centers that specialize in therapeutic or adaptive riding services.
Please note:
These referrals are provided for reference only. We cannot guarantee availability, services, or suitability.

Eligibility Reminder
All participants must meet our eligibility requirements, including age/grade (where applicable), local school district residency (for camps), and special‑needs considerations.
Receiving an Access Code or submitting an inquiry begins the process but does not guarantee final approval. If we have any questions regarding eligibility, we will reach out directly.

Questions?
We encourage families to contact us before registering if they are unsure whether our programs are the right fit. Early communication helps us make the best and safest decision for your child.