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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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‘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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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