The J. F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is one of the largest and most respected accredited therapeutic riding programs in the country. The Center is located at the north end of San Juan Capistrano on Oso Road. It offers therapeutic riding classes for riders with physical and neurological disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay. Riding and doing activities on the horse (called hippotherapy) improves the rider’s strength, balance and coordination.
The Shea Center staff includes licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists. The certified therapeutic riding instructor team is composed of seasoned equestrians specifically trained to work with special needs clients. Extensive training is offered to help volunteers become familiar with horses as well as people with special needs.