About Us
Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals living with disabilities. Cornerstone is located at Creek Hollow Ranch in Ramona which is a 350 acre state-of-the-art equestrian facility that is home to over 100 horses, in addition to a herd of American Bison. Our facility is like no other in San Diego and offers our students many diverse opportunities. In addition to traditional therapeutic riding, we are able to offer a true ranch environment with abundant wildlife, large oak groves, access to hundreds of acres of trails and nature walks, in a peaceful and serene environment. Cornerstone's unique environment enhances the therapeutic experience not only for our students, but for their families, our employees, and our volunteers.
Cornerstone was founded on the guiding principle of services to others, commitment to our community, education, and making a positive impact in the disabled community. Cornerstone is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and is dedicated to following the standards set forth by NARHA to ensure safety, quality, and success for our clients. We actively participate in on-going education to maximize the quality of the lessons we provide and the overall experience for each student. Cornerstone offers a safe, life-changing haven where our students can thrive.
About Therapeutic Riding
Riding horses is a physical activity that can offer many therapeutic benefits. Sitting astride a moving horse stimulates the cardiovascular system, strengthens muscles, increases balance, coordination, and body awareness. Because it is a sport that utilizes the companionship of an animal, horseback riding also offers a calming psychological and social effect which, in addition to the immense physical benefits, provides our riders with a sense of well-being.
Unique to other forms of exercise, the horses' three dimensional swinging gait moves the rider's body in ways very similar to those produced by the normal human walk. The rhythmic movement and the warmth generated from the horse's body soothes and relaxes tight or painful muscles, joints, and tendons and also builds strength and flexibility.
Therapeutic Riding has a long history of helping people to maximize their physical and cognitive abilities, and as the industry has evolved, we have learned that the educational and social benefits are equally as important. Often times people with disabilities are isolated and don't have the opportunity to interact with peers and develop new friendships. Cornerstone has created a well-rounded program that provides a safe haven for our students to enjoy enriching social interactions that enhance the overall therapeutic experience.
Often times traditional forms of therapy can be painful and stressful. As a result, many people are turning to horses and seeking out therapeutic riding centers. Therapeutic Riding has become widely accepted by medical doctors, along with physical and occupational therapists, as a viable and highly successful form of therapy.