Circle T Ranch

06/20/2026

Equine therapy offers multifaceted benefits for individuals with autism.

Research shows it promotes emotional regulation, decreases irritability, and improves social communication. Physically, the horse’s rhythmic movement enhances core strength, balance, and motor skills, while caring for the animal builds confidence and responsibility.

Key areas of improvement include:

• Emotional Regulation: The rhythmic motion of the horse produces a calming, sensory-soothing effect that helps lower anxiety, hyperactivity, and irritability.

• Social & Communication Skills: Interacting with a non-judgmental animal encourages eye contact, verbalization, and non-verbal communication, often carrying over into human interactions.

• Motor Control & Balance: The horse's pelvis naturally mimics the human walking gait, which helps riders improve posture, core strength, and spatial awareness.

• Confidence & Self-Esteem: Learning to guide and care for a large animal fosters independence, empathy, and a strong sense of accomplishment.

06/16/2026

Every stride is more than just a ride.

In this moment, a young participant is experiencing the confidence, trust, and joy that can come from working with our horses. With the support of our dedicated team and the gentle nature of our equine partners, participants are encouraged to explore new challenges, develop self-confidence, and celebrate their successes.

At Circle T Ranch in Lincoln, California, we're proud to offer Equine Assisted Learning opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, creating meaningful experiences that help build confidence.

06/10/2026

🐴💜 Another lovely evening at Circle T Ranch in Lincoln. As the sun sets and the horses settle in, we're reminded how special this place truly is. Grateful for the peaceful moments, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to share the ranch with our community.

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06/02/2026

🐴💜 At Circle T Ranch in Lincoln CA, we are proud to offer Equine Assisted Learning sessions for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Through meaningful interactions with our horses, participants build confidence, improve communication skills, develop emotional awareness, and experience the joy of connection in a safe and supportive environment.

Every session is designed to encourage personal growth, independence, and positive life skills while creating unforgettable experiences with our incredible horses.

To learn more about our programs or schedule a session, please contact us today at ridecircletranch.com

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05/21/2026

We are excited to share that Circle T Ranch has officially been approved to partner with Alta California Regional Center!

This milestone allows us to begin providing Equine Assisted Learning sessions to developmentally disabled individuals through their state-supported program.

We are honored to continue creating meaningful experiences that build confidence, connection, and personal growth through the power of horses.

Interested in learning more or getting involved? Contact us today to learn about upcoming sessions and programs at ridecircletranch.com

05/09/2026

Life in Lincoln!

03/25/2026

New program in Lincoln!

03/25/2026

Beautiful mountain ride today!

03/15/2026

According to a study by Sara Kwon and colleagues published in the journal Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine (2019), therapeutic horseback riding (THR) may help improve language and cognitive abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or intellectual disability (ID). In this study, children aged 6–13 participated in an 8-week program where the therapy group received conventional therapy along with 30 minutes of therapeutic horseback riding once per week. Researchers measured changes in language using standardized tests such as the Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Test (REVT) and the Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale (PRES), and assessed cognition using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.

The findings showed that children who participated in therapeutic horseback riding experienced significant improvements in receptive language, expressive language, vocabulary skills, and cognitive functioning after the 8-week intervention. Although both the therapy and control groups showed some improvement, the horseback riding group improved in more areas. Researchers concluded that therapeutic horseback riding may be a promising complementary therapy to support communication, learning, and cognitive development in children with ASD and intellectual disabilities.

PMCID: PMC6637059 PMID: 31311249

02/28/2026