"Our Mission is to help build the physical, emotional and mental well-being of all people, particularly those with special needs, through establishing an atmosphere of cooperation, respect and love in an equestrian environment. We are committed to a Mainstreaming approach for teaching horseback riding and to promoting the development of new and independent therapeutic riding programs."

Thorncroft offers instruction in Balanced Seat Equitation, Driving, Combined Training and Trail. We offer one-hour group lessons of up to six students with comparable skill levels. Private, half-hour lessons are also available. Depending upon the ability of the rider, lessons are held on the flat or over fences and might be in the indoor arena, outdoor enclosed ring, our cross country course or through the neighboring countryside.We specialize in therapeutic horseback riding for mentally, emotionally and physically disabled children and adults, including training for those interested in learning this art.

We offer our land, our equipment, our horses and our ideals. But most importantly, we offer ourselves and our love. Healing abounds here...come see for yourself, the joy of a student as he "walks" down the narrow country trail with his horse. The horse can take him places that his wheelchair cannot go!

"The Horse is the Therapy"

Since 1971 the movement of the horse has been studied at Thorncroft. Scientific studies of hippotherapy, biomechanics and equine physiology have been hosted at the farm in our three decades of operation. Through these studies, and with first hand experience we have learned that the movement of the horse teaches the human body the correct motion of walking. Students who have never learned to walk correctly and those who come to us after a traumatic accident benefit from this therapy. This extraordinary experience provides balance, strength, mobility and improved self esteem. The benefits are limitless.

Full equine treadmill in the indoor arena, being used in a University of Delaware motion study.

THE ENVIRONMENT

Thorncroft is a mainstreaming facility where handicapped and non-handicapped people come together to ride together, learn together and relate to one another; and within an accepting environment, foster growth in each other. This growth is our aim; it is the beginning of healing. Our peaceful, rural environment offers the necessary tools to help fulfill this special goal.

This environment also fosters the ability to learn necessary job skills leading to productive lives and secure permanent employment. Our vocational training program has been very successful!

VOLUNTEERS - OUR LIFE BLOOD

Our success depends upon the enthusiasm and dedication of our volunteers! Over 150 men, women and teenagers assist our staff in a variety of ways. They help us as side aides and leaders in the riding ring; they aid in the grooming and tacking up of the horses; they work in both the stable management and horticultural programs; and they assist with office duties. All receive in-service training to better respond to the special needs of our riders. Join us, even if you only have as little as an hour a week!

Tax-Deductible Gifts Sustain Our Effort

Equipping, staffing and maintaining Thorncroft's 70-acre facility presents an ongoing financial challenge. Currently, 20% of our disabled students receive subsidized instruction through our scholarship program. Thorncroft also welcomes contributions of sound horses, tack, riding apparel and office equipment, as well as gifts of money and time.