COUGAR PASS RECOVERY RANCH

Therapeutic Riding Lessons for Those with Special Needs

ABOUT COUGAR PASS RECOVERY RANCH

Cougar Pass Recovery Ranch, or CPR, provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons on the nearly five acre site of Miller Equestrian Services at Valle Vista Farm in Escondido. We offer a full range of horseback riding services and as Ann Miller, owner of Miller Equestrian Services, started receiving more requests for riding lessons geared towards individuals with special needs, the idea of CPR was born.

Established in 2014, CPR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons geared towards those with a variety of special needs to help improve their emotional, social and physical well-being.

Our mission is to provide social, emotional, and behavioral growth

through learning about and working with horses.

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THERAPEUTIC RIDING LESSONS

Experience the joy of riding a horse while reaping the many benefits they offer for those with a wide range of challenges in a fun, safe environment!

Our therapeutic horseback riding lessons are geared towards helping people with social, emotional, physical and behavioral challenges. Our instructor tailors each lesson to meet each individual's unique challenges and goals. In addition to developing mounted riding skills, we also include horsemanship activities which are carried out on the ground, such as grooming, saddling, and leading activities before and after the lesson. These activities help students gain confidence through the personal connections they develop with the horses and the pride in the tasks they accomplish.

Who can Benefit?

Research show numerous benefits to people of all ages from participating in equine assisted therapy which can positively impact various aspects of an individual’s well-being. It can benefit those with autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, learning disabilities, anxiety, and muscular dystrophy to name a few.

More Info

Lessons

Lessons are offered Tuesday through Friday between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants must be at least 4 years of age.
Lessons typically last 30-60 minutes, depending on the rider's tolerance level and stamina.
Cost is $60 per lesson. You can pay as you go or you can set up a few at a time.

FAQs

Check out our FAQ section for more detailed information about our lessons, where to park, what to wear, cancellation policies, and much more.

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BENEFITS OF THERAPEUTIC RIDING

Research shows numerous benefits to people of all ages from participating in this type of therapy which can positively impact various aspects of an individual’s well-being.

Communication

Improved social skills and communication by creating an environment that encourages interaction, communication and teamwork between instructor, volunteer, horse and rider.

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Strength

Physical benefits such as enhanced balance and coordination, improved muscle strength and flexibility as the rider adapts to the rhythmic movement of the horse’s gait which stimulates the rider’s muscular system to control their movements and posture.

Behavioral

Improved behavior and impulse control as the structured and goal-oriented nature of riding sessions can help individuals develop better focus, concentration and discipline.

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Emotional

Emotional well-being by fostering a sense of accomplishment and increased trust by developing a connection with the horse.

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VOLUNTEER

Make a Difference in Someone's Life!

Here’s a chance to merge your passion for horses with a purpose that truly matters. Join our team of volunteers in our therapeutic riding program and be a part of the incredible transformation your love for horses can bring to others.

Whether you just love being around horses, are looking for volunteer hours for school, or just want to give back to your community, volunteering with us will help create a positive experience in the lives of our students and will give you the joy of being a part of their journey.

No experience is necessary as we will teach you everything you need to know.
You must be 16 years of age (parental consent required if less than 18 years old).
Ideally you can commit to at least 1 or more hours weekly.
Responsibilities can range from grooming and tack care before lessons, leading horses during lessons, or side walking next to the rider to provide encouragement and extra support as needed.
Volunteers are needed: Tuesday - Friday, and Sundays in the morning or afternoon.

Come join our team or contact us if you have more questions.

DONATE

As CPR is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization all donations are tax-deductible within the guidelines of tax laws.

Your donation will help CPR create opportunities for growth, connection and joy in the lives of individuals facing diverse challenges through therapeutic riding.

As we continue our mission, we are dedicated to providing a positive experience to our students that will improve their social and emotional well-being one stride at a time!

Thank you for supporting CPR!

Tax ID: 47-1460424.

Other ways to Donate below.

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Donate by cash or check. Mail checks to Cougar Pass Recovery at 936 Vista Ave., Escondido, CA 92026

Make a donation through our Amazon Wish List. Order an item and have it delivered directly to our facility.

Donate gently used tack for our horses such as saddles, bridles, and halters. We also take equipment and building materials. Contact us if you're interested in making a donation.

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MEET OUR TEAM

Ann and Frank Miller

Owners

Ann and Frank Miller have been working together since they met years ago in the horse business and got married in 1989. They moved to Escondido in 2001 and opened Miller Equestrian Services.

Ann has been riding horses since she was 14 and today focuses her attention on developing young riders into saddle and hunt seat World Champions, which she has several to be proud of. She's been a member of the USEF, AMHA, ASHA and UPHA for over 30 years.

Frank has a stellar reputation for breaking the yearlings and developing them into top quality show horses. He works with the drivers and his positive energy, humor and supportive coaching style make learning fun for his students.

Together they have accomplished many things and they continue to grow their business. With more people asking for lessons for those with special needs, CPR was established to meet this need.

Jessica York

Instructor

Jessica started off assisting with lessons in April 2022 at CPR and in December 2022 began teaching lessons on her own. One of her greatest pleasures is teaching kids to ride and enjoying the different opportunities that horses bring to their lives. "I see what horses can do everyday. It's therapy and you don't even realize it." After assisting with her son’s classes and seeing the positive impact across a multitude of behaviors, she was inspired to work towards a PATH certification as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

This is a voluntary, entry-level credential for individuals in the equine assisted services (EAS) profession who provide riding instruction of therapeutic value to people with disabilities, which includes both mounted and unmounted work. She hopes to complete her training and testing in June of 2024.

Jessica's past experience and current training play a pivotal role in structuring lessons to develop skills to meet her students unique goals and challenges.

Callaway's Naughty and Nice

Barn Name: Naughty

Don’t let this mare's name fool you as she is a sweet American Saddlebred show horse that is now top of show with our students.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Ann Blakenship for her generous donation of Naughty to our program!

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Battersea Orlean

Barn Name: Orlean

This Morgan is more of a "whoa than go" horse and her sweet and gentle spirit can calm even the most hesitant riders.

She was donated lovingly by the Jacobi family!

Prince

A 33 year old Morgan gelding. Despite his age, he still has some pep in his step, but he is a true gentleman - as you would expect a prince to be.

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Like An Angel

Barn Name: Angel

An American Saddlebred, mare

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Steel Sweet Magnolias

Barn Name: Clark

A Morgan, gelding

Festival Fandango

Barn Name: Spiderman

A Morgan, gelding

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Highlander Tequila Chaser

Barn Name: Jose

This 20 year old gelding showed in classic pleasure and classic driving and is the newest member of our team.

Barn Name: Gloria

Gloria is an occasional lesson horse so you may see her from time to time.

Bacardi and Kiwi

We couldn't forget mentioning these two as they will most likely run up to greet you when you arrive at the property.