Little Britches Therapeutic Riding

Little Britches, located in Roxbury, CT, provides therapeutic riding and equine assisted activities to individuals with disabilities. Little Britches has enhanced the lives of individuals with disabilities through the movement of the horse for over 47 years. We offer a recreational and therapeutic activity to individuals that have limited access to
appropriate extracurricular programs and are often left on the sidelines. In 2025, we served 101 riders from 27 towns with the assistance of PATH Intl.-certified instructors, therapists, specially trained horses and dedicated volunteers.

In 2021 we began our partnership with Shepaug Agriscience Academy, located at Shepaug Valley School, part of Regional School District 12. This partnership has allowed us to expand our program year by 12 weeks. We are requesting funds for the Extended Fall (a six week session) in 2026.

This program creates direct, measurable benefits for both our riders and local high school student
volunteers:

Rider Benefits: The physical movement of the horse challenges balance, requiring muscles to contract and relax. This process builds core strength and helps riders maintain muscle tone. The extended riding session provides our riders with continuity. Additionally, this program
provides direct access to an organized sport for a demographic that is frequently excluded from traditional athletic activities.

Volunteer Benefits: The session utilizes six to eight regional agriscience high school student volunteers from Shepaug, Wamogo, and Nonnewaug High Schools. Volunteering with Little Britches helps students meet the requirements for their Student Agricultural Experience (SAE) and for the Shepaug students it is directly on campus.

Career and Social Exposure: Student volunteers work alongside physical and occupational therapists, gaining direct exposure to these career paths. They also gain experience interacting with individuals who have diverse physical and cognitive disabilities, learning to connect with people who communicate or learn differently.
Together we can ensure that our riders and volunteers continue to experience meaningful physical, emotional, and developmental benefits.