Why and How We Retire Horses at CTRC By Isabella Taylor, CTRC Horse Trainer At the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC), our horses are the heart of everything we do. They are patient teachers, trusted partners, and powerful healers for the riders we serve. Because of the incredible work they do, it is essential that

by: Michele Bruhn, Executive Director In 2026, CTRC proudly enters another chapter of excellence as we prepare for reaccreditation as a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, the highest and most respected designation in the equine-assisted services industry. This isn’t new territory for us. CTRC was first certified as a Premier PATH Center in 1982, and

Bonnie has been a dedicated member of the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) volunteer community since January 2012. What began as a simple introduction to volunteering quickly grew into something much deeper: a strong sense of purpose, connection, and joy. “I didn’t realize how important the volunteer community would become to me,” Bonnie reflects. “I

When Abraham first joined CTRC in January, he was reluctant to wear his helmet. He did not want to enter the arena and was unsure of what to expect. In just a few short months, the transformation within Abraham from how he first presented to now is truly remarkable. It is night and day, what

Julie’s journey with the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC) is one of dedication, resilience, and heart. A retired educator with a lifelong love of horses and experience supporting people with disabilities, Julie found CTRC while searching for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. After touring the center, she recalls thinking, “This is really a match.” The combination

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Abigail’s journey is one of trust, strength, and joy. After sustaining an anoxic brain injury in 2015, doctors told her family she would never progress, never sit independently, and never regain daily living skills. But Abigail has proven them all wrong. Through her time at CTRC, riding has become more than just therapy; it’s her

Craig has been part of CTRC since 2002, and from his very first lesson, he was hooked. Though he had never been fond of animals, the calm, steady presence of the horses quickly won him over. His home provider, Ben, shares, “Craig’s mood after riding is always improved, and he seems proud and deeply satisfied

CTRC’s largest fundraiser of the year officially kicks off on October 15 and runs through December 31! The funds raised are essential to keeping our programs running and supporting riders of all abilities. There are many ways to get help: donate, share the campaign with your network, and encourage others to give. You can donate

CTRC has welcomed some very special new residents to the property—honey bees! Thanks to Alan Smith, the father of CTRC rider Alisun Smith, a hive now has a home right here at the center. Alan has been a dedicated beekeeper for more than 20 years and recently placed one of his hives on our land.

We’re excited to share that CTRC recently installed a bat box on our property! This small, carefully designed wooden structure provides safe roosting space for local bat populations. Why bats? Bats are an important—and often overlooked—part of a healthy ecosystem. They help control insect populations, reducing the need for pesticides, and many species are key

Our riders are ready to shine—and you’re invited to cheer them on! CTRC’s Annual Horse Show will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, and it’s open to the public. We hope you’ll join us at the barn to celebrate the hard work, courage, and determination of our riders. For many of our participants—people with

This month, CTRC welcomed a special volunteer: Konstanze Fabian, a local tree expert and manager with Bartlett Tree Experts. Konstanze donated her time, expertise, and a variety of saplings to help us add new life to our property. Planting for the Future Konstanze and the CTRC team planted autumn blaze maples, seedless honey locusts, and

Since beginning equine-assisted therapy at CTRC in 2017, Mitchel has made incredible progress. Riding has improved his balance, mobility, and motivation.

Ray began riding at CTRC in September of 2022 and lessons have helped Ray build clarity, trust, and connection both in and out of the saddle.

Inez is a gentle yet spirited, bright rider whose journey with CTRC has brought transformative growth.

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

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 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

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

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

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

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? 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

[fsn_row row_width=”container” row_style=”light” background_repeat=”repeat” background_position=”left top” background_attachment=”scroll” background_size=”auto” background_image_xs=”show”][fsn_column width=”12″ column_style=”light” margin=”{#fsnquot;right#fsnquot;:#fsnquot;15#fsnquot;,#fsnquot;left#fsnquot;:#fsnquot;15#fsnquot;}”][fsn_text] Aug. 30, 2024, 3:16 p.m. ET On this Labor Day weekend, many more Americans may take part in community service than they have in the past. Their generosity reflects a shift in the workplace as employees demand a greater commitment to the public

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

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

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

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

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

  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.