Return of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center Horse Show

LONGMONT, Colo. – In the wake of the pandemic, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) was unable to host its annual horse show. This weekend, however, riders of all ages can once again put their skills to the test.

At the start of COVID-19, the center was forced to adapt quickly.

“We know that not being consistently in the saddle week after week affects our riders in physical, mental and emotional ways. The longer the gap in riding, the greater changes we see in writing skills as well as physical and mental-emotional states,” said Michele Bruhm, CTRC executive director.

As the oldest therapeutic riding center in the state of Colorado, CTRC has served nearly 500 clients with mental or physical disabilities throughout the Front Range each year, according to Brunh.

“Horses move on both sides, so if someone has a disability and they’re on a horse, just by walking on the horse, you’re stimulating all the muscles that you use to walk,” Bruhn said. “You improve core strength, you improve balance, posture, organ function, all of these wonderful things that help support someone.”

Seeing children and adults lead their horses and build confidence in the saddle brings great joy to Bruhn, who began working at the nonprofit as an intern before eventually becoming executive director.

“When we are able to serve clients and care for people who come to us with different needs, be they physical, psychological, social or emotional, and when you start to see changes in them as people evolve “It’s incredible to see these changes and watch them grow and watch that, see them strengthen and shine,” Bruhn said.

Maggy Wolanske

The center not only puts smiles on the faces of drivers and employees, but also family members who see the direct impact of this therapy on their loved ones.

Emily Haines loves watching her 7-year-old son Jaeden lead his horse around the arena. The two have been coming to the center for three years.

“Well, because he’s been here so long, he’s actually overcome a lot of hurdles,” Haines said. “When he first started coming here, he actually didn’t speak.”

Maggy Wolanske

Jaeden’s main form of communication was sign language. However, since he had to hold the reins to guide the horse, he had to use his voice.

“It’s kind of cool to see that transition. I really believe that there is some correlation between non-verbal communication with horses and actual communication and that it kind of goes under and emerges from that,” Haines said.

With the pandemic over, CTRC was unable to host its annual horse show, but on October 19, riders of all ages and skill levels will be back in the spotlight, including Jaeden.

Maggy Wolanske

“For the first time in many years since the pandemic, we are bringing back our horse show for our participants. So when someone prepares for a horse show, there’s a lot that goes into it,” Bruhn said.

The center is currently fundraising for the event and hopes to raise $8,000 through corporate sponsorships or donations. Bruhn said community support is crucial.

“Our drivers pay a very small fee to ride with us, about a third of the actual cost we incur to provide these services. And so we look at our entire budget, [and] A third of this is driver fees. Two-thirds of our total budget comes from fundraisers, grants, donors, businesses, all of those pieces and our supporters who make this all possible and help change lives here at the Colorado Therapeutic Ride Center.”

Maggy Wolanske

At the heart of this nonprofit organization is a group of dedicated individuals and friendly horses who make a difference in the lives of the people whose paths they cross.

“If anyone wants to get involved, whether financially or through a donation, to make a difference in the lives of the community, someone wants to volunteer, or someone wants to utilize our services, check us out,” Bruhn said.