News and Blog
Abbott’s CTRC Story: Discovering His Place of Joy and Belonging
Abbott, a vibrant and energetic five-year-old, radiates joy and smiles wherever he goes. With his boundless enthusiasm and infectious grin, he brings light to those around him. Abbott, who lives with Cerebral Palsy, Autism, heightened energy levels, and other therapeutic needs that require specialized attention, approaches life with a spirit of determination and optimism. Among the
Why Volunteer at CTRC: Jen’s Story of Giving Back and Finding Community
Jen’s journey with CTRC starts with her son who was diagnosed with possible autism at a young age. He was eventually also diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD. His unique challenges made it difficult for him to thrive in traditional environments. After he was asked to leave a preschool, Jen sought alternative solutions to help him. Therapeutic
Te’s Magic Journey: How CTRC Enriches Te’s Life and Builds Family Bonds
Te’s journey at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of therapeutic riding. Te started riding at CTRC when he was four years old. Now sixteen, Te finds joy at CTRC through the support of his family, the volunteers and staff, and his cherished horse, Magic. Despite
The Power of Volunteering: Mike’s Powerful Volunteer Story
Mike’s journey to becoming Volunteer of the Year at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is a testament to his resilience and dedication. Having struggled with bipolar disorder and depression for fifty years, Mike had to retire early from a company where he had spent most of his career. Retirement brought its own set of
Road to Confidence: Alisun’s Courageous CTRC Journey
Alisun was born with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that has shaped her journey in unique ways. Behind her radiant smile is a story of courage and resilience. Williams syndrome affects her flexibility, and her physical therapist recommended therapeutic riding at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) to help maintain it. Initially hesitant about
Hope from horses: The return of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center horse show
LONGMONT, Colo. — Following the pandemic, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) has not been able to put on its annual horse show. This weekend, however, riders of all ages will be able to strut their skills again. Read the Full Article Here
Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center Announces Return of Annual Horse Show Oct. 19
On hold since the pandemic, CTRC Horse Show seeks sponsors to help empower individuals with disabilities on their journey towards greater physical, psychological, and social well-being. Read Full Article Here https://www.longmontleader.com/local-news/colorado-therapeutic-riding-center-announces-return-of-annual-horse-show-oct-19-9654287
What is CTRC?
What is CTRC? Written by Michele Bruhn, Executive Director, CTRC As I sit here at the large wooden picnic table under the gazebo that Eric Seelig built on a crisp morning, I am reminded of how special this place is. I can hear the geese overhead, the run of the tractor harrowing the arena, and
Serving Locally
Our Executive Director, Michele Bruhn, was recently a guest on the Serving Locally podcast hosted by Michelle Deines. In this fun and informative episode, Michele dives into everything that makes CTRC special—our mission, our incredible equine partners, and how we’re changing lives through therapeutic riding. Tune in now to learn more about what we do
Therapeutic riding near Longmont transforms life of 18-year-old with Down syndrome
Robert Hesse-Withbroe did not have an easy transition moving from Minnesota to Colorado. Hesse-Withbroe, an 18-year-old with Down syndrome and a junior at Mead High School, struggled when his family moved to Colorado. He experienced major medical issues and stopped talking, laughing and enjoying life. Read the full article on the Daily Times Call
‘A dream come true:’ Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center grants wishes for disabled twins
This week, local nonprofit group the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center helped two kids receive a ride of a lifetime. In a partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center hosted 6-year-old twins Adelaide and Gray Carter for three days of horseback riding. The twins are battling spinal muscular atrophy, a degenerative disorder that weakens muscles. When
Therapeutic riding near Longmont transforms life of 18-year-old with Down syndrome
By Olivia Doak Robert Hesse-Withbroe did not have an easy transition moving from Minnesota to Colorado. Hesse-Withbroe, an 18-year-old with Down syndrome and a junior at Mead High School, struggled when his family moved to Colorado. He experienced major medical issues and stopped talking, laughing and enjoying life. So his family decided to find equine-assisted therapy
Outdoor Colorado: Center offers therapeutic horse riding program
Equstyle Art and Travel Magazine: Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center is “Nothing Short of Miraculous.”
Author: Natalee Roeder November 30, 2023 Individuals with disabilities experience many physical, emotional, and cognitive hurdles, along with obstacles to inclusion and a sense of normalcy. Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) strives to respond to this great need by offering a secure and supportive space for individuals with disabilities to enhance their physical, emotional, and
How Nikola Jokić’s love of horses fueled fan campaign with ‘incredible’ impact – The Athletic
Nick Kosmider Mar 29, 2023 LONGMONT, Colo. — Bubba is moving around the stall at his own unique pace. A camera is ready to snap a portrait of the 29-year-old pinto and his brilliant brown-and-white-patterned coat, but Bubba is taking his time. His head bobs in the cool early spring air in northern Colorado, the
Welcome Home to CTRC
A documentary film about the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center by Gabriel Kawamura.
Vitamin H: Horses Helping People Heal
People that have spent their lives around horses get it. There’s something almost magical about being in the presence of these amazing creatures. It’s calming, even sustaining for some. “I call it my vitamin H,” says Janneli Dart, a long-time volunteer at the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC). For others, the benefits go much farther.
Feel the Freedom
Feel the Freedom Sarah Lee, a rider at CTRC, performing an original song with Al Mehl at CTRC’s 35th anniversary gala.
JAACAP Podcast with Dr. Robin Gabriels
The Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry interviews Dr. Gabriels on Therapeutic Riding research in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Click here to listen to the interview.