Starbrite Equine Therapy
February 21, 2026 @ 2:00PM — 2:45PM Central Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Tyler Junior College: 1327 S Baxter Ave 257 County Road 3110 Tyler, TX 75701 Get Directions
Discover how therapeutic riding can support physical, emotional, and cognitive growth for individuals on the autism spectrum and those with other disabilities. In this informative session, Elizabeth Starbrite, a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (PATH International), will explain what therapeutic riding is, how it works, and the wide range of benefits it can offer. Elizabeth is also board certified by the Certifying Board of Equine Interaction Professionals, with a specialty in education, and serves as the Operations Director and Needs Instructor at Starbrite. Participants will learn how therapeutic riding can improve balance, coordination, communication, emotional regulation, and confidence, while fostering meaningful connections between riders and horses. The session will also cover who may benefit most, what a typical session looks like, and how families can determine if therapeutic riding is a good fit. This session is ideal for families, caregivers, educators, and professionals interested in experiential, relationship-based approaches that support whole-person development.
Presenter: Elizabeth Starbrite
Time: 2:15-3pm
Who Should Attend: A Starbrite Equine Therapy symposium breakout session is ideal for therapists, educators, equine professionals, program leaders, students, and caregivers who are interested in learning more about equine-assisted therapy, best practices, and real-world applications to support individuals with diverse needs for children on the autism spectrum.
- Be able to communicate their needs (verbally, with AAC, or other reliable communication methods)
- Be fully potty trained
- Be able to participate in an activity for up to 45 minutes
- Be able to follow basic directions
- Be paired with a designated buddy and must never be left alone during the session
- 14 years old and up
- Parents or caregivers must drop off and pick up participants directly at the assigned classroom for each breakout session
- Participants may only be released to their parent or designated caregiver at the end of the session
To help us provide appropriate support and ensure safety, you will be asked to provide the following information during registration: (jess please simply make question with a field for them to type in)
- Autism spectrum level (if known)
- Participant’s fields of interest
- Emergency contact information
- Whether the participant is an elopement risk (yes or no)