Therapeutic Riding of Tuscon – Tuscon, AZ
Nancy McGibbon is the founder of Therapuetic Riding of Tuscon (TROT). As a physical therapist, she began using the horse as a modality for physical improvement in individuals living with cerebral palsy. Nancy is considered a pioneer in developing the equine therapy field. Since 1974, TROT has continued to harness the power of horses to assist individuals of all abilities and disabilities alike improve their quality of life.
Therapeutic Riding of Tuscon is a Premier Accredited Program through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International. This organization provides many unique things that other organizations do not. TROT is inclusive for everyone - including those who use a wheelchair. TROT operates a state-of-the-art lift system that safely and effectively transfers an individual from their wheelchair to the back of the horse. TROT is the only center in the Southern Arizona region to utilize a lift.
TROT is passionate about helping individuals at every age, which is why they have something to offer for everyone. They offer Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), a learning approach that promotes the development of life skills through equine-assisted activities. They offer various formats of EAL for organizations and school groups. Equine-Assisted Learning is helpful in building critical life skills.
Adaptive Riding was created to ensure that individuals with special needs can experience the benefits of horseback riding. TROT states on their website, "A disability does not have to prevent a person from riding horses." In the adaptive riding program, can work on riding skill based goals to gain physical and emotional growth.
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, an experential form of psychotherapy that includes horses to achieve personal and emotional growth, is also offered at TROT. By working with licensed mental health professionals, individuals are able to address psychotherapy goals with the help of horses.
Riders Up! is the program created for men and women in the 55+ age group with age-related challenges. The Riders Up! program addresses both physical and mental challenges, and is designed to improve flexibility, endurance, and strength for those experiencing reduced mobility due to any age-related challenges.
BITS (Back in the Saddle) is designed for indiviuals who have any horse related trauma, or maybe just a not-so-great relationship with horses. BITS is for individuals who want to overcome any issues with their relationship with horses. Participants in the BITS program have reported both physical and emotional benefits, reduced anxiety, and improved confidence!
Lastly, one of the most special things TROT has to offer is their "Heroes on Horses" program. TROT honors and pays tributes to veterans by offering this program at no cost to those who have served. Heroes on Horses was created to address the needs of all veterans, of all abilites. TROT is passionate about helping veterans accomplish their goals and improve their quality of life. They recieve referrals from the Wounded Warrior Project and actively work with recreational therapists at the Southern Arizona Veterans Affairs. Heroes on Horses involves equine-assisted learning, adaptive riding, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy has been successful in helping veterans show improvements in emotional awareness, stress tolerance, independence, TBI, post-traumatic stress, impulse control and much more.
How to Contact Therapeutic Riding of Tuscon:
8290 E Woodland Rd
Tuscon, AZ 85749
(520) 749-2360
