Therapeutic Horse Riding For Kids In Switzerland

We’re the Young Explorers Club

About the program

We’re the Young Explorers Club, and we support therapeutic horse riding programs across Switzerland. These programs combine adaptive riding and hippotherapy to boost posture, balance, gross motor skills, communication, and emotional regulation in children with cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and developmental delays.

Certified instructors work together with allied-health professionals at regional centers. Teams set individual goals and require a medical assessment to determine suitability. Funding may come partly from health insurance, disability benefits, or cantonal support, depending on the case.

Key Takeaways

• Therapeutic riding mixes adaptive riding and hippotherapy to improve motor, sensory, and social-emotional development in children.
• Swiss programs run at certified centers with multidisciplinary teams (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, trained instructors) and individualized treatment plans.
• Eligibility commonly includes cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and coordination disorders. A clinical assessment determines suitability and any contraindications.
• Access usually requires a medical referral. Funding varies, so families should confirm coverage through health insurance, invalidity benefits, or cantonal subsidies.
• Sessions follow safety and horse-welfare protocols, use measurable goals, and include regular evaluations to track progress and adjust therapy.

Eligibility and access

To begin the process, families typically need a referral or recommendation from a physician or allied-health professional. A clinical assessment will confirm whether therapeutic riding is appropriate and identify any contraindications (medical or behavioral) that must be addressed.

How to apply (typical steps)

1. Obtain a medical referral from your child’s physician or therapist.
2. Contact a certified regional center to discuss intake procedures and availability.
3. Complete an assessment with the center’s multidisciplinary team to set individualized goals.
4. Confirm funding options—check with health insurance, invalidity benefits, and cantonal programs for potential support.
5. Begin sessions under the supervision of certified instructors and allied-health professionals, with regular reviews.

Safety, team roles, and outcomes

Certified instructors manage riding and horse care, while physiotherapists and occupational therapists integrate therapeutic goals into sessions. Programs emphasize both child safety and horse welfare, using appropriate equipment, emergency procedures, and ongoing horse health checks. Outcomes are monitored with measurable goals for motor skills, posture, communication, and emotional regulation, and plans are adjusted based on regular evaluations.

Funding considerations

Funding varies by case. In some situations, portions of the cost can be covered by health insurance, invalidity benefits, or cantonal subsidies. Families should verify coverage early in the process and ask centers for documentation templates or support letters useful for funding applications.

Contact and next steps

If you’d like assistance locating certified centers, understanding the referral process, or exploring funding options in your canton, we can help. Please tell us your canton or region and a brief description of your child’s needs, and we’ll provide tailored guidance.

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