Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA), Ocala, Florida

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA), Ocala, Florida To promote wellness, exercise, and education while providing the miraculous benefits of therapeutic

The therapeutic benefits of the horse were recognized as early as 460 BC, and have continued to evolve over the centuries throughout Europe, the United States and Canada. Today, therapeutic riding therapy is a proven type of physical, emotional and mental therapy for children and adults. Because horseback riding gently and rhythmically moves the client's body in a manner similar to a human gait, c

lients with physical disabilities often show improvement in flexibility, balance, posture and muscle strength. It has also been proven to affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. The special relationship formed between horse and client often leads to increased confidence, patience, self-esteem, independence and acceptance. With the benefits so far reaching, MTRA follows an "adaptive equestrian experience" model which enables us to provide a full range of equine-assisted therapeutic programs, including riding therapy, carriage driving, trail courses, equine assisted psychotherapy, Special Olympics and more. This allows us to match client skills to the program best suited for them, while ensuring that we keep pace with the latest techniques to advance the progress of our students. Our riding schedule typically runs 6 days a week, 9 months a year, with morning, afternoon and evening classes. Each lesson provides a combination of riding or carriage driving with ground time to strengthen the bond even deeper between horse and client. Our integrated riding approach enables clients to work with the same horse, the same volunteers and the same instructors for each 9-week period. Whatever type of equine-assisted therapy clients choose, our goal is to help each client achieve their personal best in a warm, professional and consistent environment.

Did you know? Therapeutic riding activities are intentionally designed to address physical, cognitive, emotional, and so...
06/23/2026

Did you know? Therapeutic riding activities are intentionally designed to address physical, cognitive, emotional, and social goals.

Mounted games such as basketball, ring toss, and target activities help riders improve:
• Balance and core strength
• Coordination and motor skills
• Concentration and memory
• Hand-eye coordination
• Decision-making and problem-solving

And while our riders are learning and growing, we make sure our horses have some fun too! 🐴🎲 Activities often include opportunities for our equine partners to interact with props and obstacles, providing mental stimulation and enrichment. In these photos, Stella decided to join in the fun by knocking over the giant dice—a reminder that our horses are active participants in the experience and enjoy the engagement just as much as our riders.

Best of all, riders are building important life skills, creating meaningful connections, and having fun alongside their equine teammates every step of the way. ❤️🐴

Keeping our horses comfortable and healthy during Florida’s summer heat takes more than plenty of water and shade—it als...
06/22/2026

Keeping our horses comfortable and healthy during Florida’s summer heat takes more than plenty of water and shade—it also means adjusting their grooming routine to meet the season’s demands.

Major Tom recently enjoyed a fresh summer body clip from our talented barn supervisor. Body clipping helps horses stay cooler by removing excess hair, allowing them to regulate their body temperature more efficiently during hot and humid weather. It can also reduce excessive sweating, speed drying time after exercise or bathing, and make daily grooming easier.

At MTRA, every detail of our horses’ care matters. From proper nutrition and veterinary care to hoof maintenance and seasonal grooming, these behind-the-scenes moments help ensure our equine partners remain comfortable, healthy, and ready to support the riders who depend on them each day.

Thank you to our dedicated staff for providing exceptional care to horses like Major Tom. 🐴💙

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference every day at MTRA.To the dads wh...
06/21/2026

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who make a difference every day at MTRA.

To the dads who cheer from the sidelines, walk alongside our riders, lend a helping hand at the barn, and offer unwavering support through every challenge and triumph—thank you.

Your patience, encouragement, strength, and love help create the confidence and courage our riders carry with them both in and out of the arena. Whether you’re leading a horse, volunteering your time, or simply showing up with a smile, your presence matters more than you know.

From all of us at Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, we wish you a Father’s Day filled with the same joy, hope, and inspiration you bring to our MTRA family every day.

Happy Father’s Day. 💙🐴

MTRA Tumblers Are Now AvailableTake a piece of the MTRA herd home with you! 💙 $25 each💙 Limited quantities available💙 Fe...
06/18/2026

MTRA Tumblers Are Now Available

Take a piece of the MTRA herd home with you!

💙 $25 each
💙 Limited quantities available
💙 Features your favorite MTRA herd members
💙 Supports MTRA's mission 💙

🚨 Visit MTRA or call the office to purchase 🚨

Behind every improvement at MTRA is a team of dedicated volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle the tough...
06/18/2026

Behind every improvement at MTRA is a team of dedicated volunteers willing to roll up their sleeves and tackle the tough jobs.

This week, our amazing maintenance volunteers took on the challenge of removing a massive old stump from our sensory trail—a task that was anything but easy. Their hard work, determination, and commitment help keep our farm safe, beautiful, and welcoming for everyone who visits.

Now comes the next question... What should we do with the newly opened space where the stump once stood? 🌳➡️✨ We'd love to hear your ideas!

From all of us at MTRA, thank you to our incredible volunteers for taking on this challenging project and helping make MTRA even better every day. ❤️🐴

Did you know? Horses are highly social animals and naturally form close bonds within their herd. These preferred compani...
06/17/2026

Did you know? Horses are highly social animals and naturally form close bonds within their herd. These preferred companions, often called pasture mates, can frequently be found grazing, resting, and spending time together. Research has shown that horses often choose specific herd mates and may experience stress when separated from them. Strong social connections help horses feel secure, reduce anxiety, and contribute to their overall well-being.

Ernie and Thunder are a great example of the friendships that can develop within a herd—often choosing to spend their time side by side in the pasture. 🐴❤️🐴

🚨It’s trivia Tuesday at MTRA🚨Think you know horses? Put your horse knowledge to the test with today’s trivia question! W...
06/16/2026

🚨It’s trivia Tuesday at MTRA🚨
Think you know horses? Put your horse knowledge to the test with today’s trivia question! Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or simply a horse lover, we want to hear your guess!

What is a horse's age measured in when determining its age by its teeth?

A) Teeth wear patterns
B) Mane length
C) Hoof size
D) Tail length

Drop your answer in the comments below and check back later for the reveal!

From all of us at Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, a huge thank you to VFW Posts 4781, 8083, 4209, and 4493, along...
06/15/2026

From all of us at Marion Therapeutic Riding Association, a huge thank you to VFW Posts 4781, 8083, 4209, and 4493, along with their incredible Auxiliary members!

We are deeply grateful for the time, hard work, and generosity you shared during your recent service project at MTRA. From painting storage sheds and fences to spreading mulch throughout our sensory trail and scrubbing buckets, your efforts have helped make our farm an even more welcoming place for the veterans, children, and families we serve.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to VFW Post 4209 for their generous donation. Your support helps us continue our mission and expand the impact of our programs.

Your commitment to serving others continues to shine throughout our community, and we are honored to have your support. Thank you for helping us create a place where healing, growth, and connection happen every day.

With sincere gratitude,

The MTRA Family ❤️🐴

Come see us at the American Legion Department of Florida Convention and learn more about Liberty’s Gait, our equine assi...
06/12/2026

Come see us at the American Legion Department of Florida Convention and learn more about Liberty’s Gait, our equine assisted psychotherapy program designed specifically to support veterans.

We’re sharing how partnering with horses helps create a safe space for healing, connection, and personal growth—supporting mental health, resilience, and community for those who have served.

Stop by our table to meet the team, ask questions, and discover how Liberty’s Gait is making a difference.

Veteran riders in MTRA’s Liberty’s Gait program proudly sponsored 25 wreaths through Wreaths Across America, contributin...
06/11/2026

Veteran riders in MTRA’s Liberty’s Gait program proudly sponsored 25 wreaths through Wreaths Across America, contributing over $400 to honor veterans laid to rest at Lady Lake Cemetery. 🇺🇸🌿

This meaningful effort reflects the growing partnership between MTRA and American Legion Post 347, united in honoring and supporting our veterans.

Presented at the Department of Florida American Legion Convention in Orlando.

Presenting: Catherine Sears, Danny Roe, Doug Walker

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6850 SE 41st Court
Ocala, FL
34480

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9:30am - 7pm
Friday 9am - 5am
Saturday 9am - 5am

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