We invite you to view the above video to find out more about the program and our goals.

Kerrill Knaus

Adaptive Riding Institute, formerly known as H.O.R.S.E.S. Ltd., was founded in 1988 in Scotts Mills, Oregon by two sisters, Kerrill Knaus and Susanne Rosen.

Susanne Rosen

Sue had always loved horseback riding and wanted Kerry to be able to experience the joy and freedom it provided.

Over the years they worked on creating a saddle that would assist Kerry's physical challenges and that would be comfortable for her. After many prototypes, and with the help of master saddle maker Paul White, they created her current saddle (see Adaptive Equipment for a picture and more information). Kerry expanded her equine hobby to driving her custom trained Mustang P.J. in her modified trail buggy.

Today the organization provides horseback adventures in wild and scenic areas, personal development, custom horse training, therapeutic riding, and related services for people of all abilities and their significant others. 

What Horseback Riding Provides...

• Horses make therapy fun!
• A horse is a willing and non-judgmental partner
• Understanding horses helps people understand themselves better
• A horse’s movement improves physical mobility
• Horses inspire people to overcome challenges
• Riding horses provides access to scenic areas

Program: Adaptive Riding Institute provides Equine Assisted Programs several days per week in South Salem and in Silverton. These facilities have beautiful indoor arenas and trails, allowing our riders to enjoy horse activities in all types of weather. Riding locations are:

• Ridgetop Ranch
• Abiqua Country Estate
  

Horseback camping trips and scenic trail rides are also offered during the summer. For activity details please contact us.  

Adaptive Riding Institute is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent of the law. Contributions can be made by check or credit card on our How You Can Help page. Fundraising activities continue throughout the year in order to keep rider fees at a minimum. For information on sponsoring a horse, a rider, or to make a general contribution, please contact us or visit our How You Can Help page.

The horse selection and training are an important part of all equine related therapies provided by Adaptive Riding Institute. Our staff of Horse Specialists has over 50 years combined training skills working with horses and other assistance animals. They are committed to use their expertise to make your involvement in this program a success.

The program is staffed almost entirely by volunteers, without their assistance this program would not exist. ARI is always in need of additional volunteers and we welcome the opportunity to have others join our family of volunteers.

Adaptive Riding Institute owns approximately 15 horses, many of which are specially trained to work with people having certain types of disabilities. First time participants receive a riding evaluation to determine their abilities and needs. Each rider is encouraged to set individual goals and complete the New Rider Application.

For more information about our program we invite you to visit our Board of Directors, Privacy Policy, Donor Bill of Rights, and Annual Report pages. A copy of our 990 can be found at Guidestar.

Health, Happiness and Healing through Horses!