Most people associate equestrianism with the elegance of dressage or the thrill of jumping obstacles. Beyond horses’ competitive nature, the gentle and rhythmic movement of horses can also open up opportunities for learning, particularly for neurodivergent children.
The Marikina Equestrian Center does just that. A 2,300-square-meter facility located along General Ordoñez Street in Barangay Marikina Heights, the center began roughly 17 years ago by accident, according to owner and equestrian coach Monette Agbulos.
READ: Ayala Malls Nuvali opens its newest chapter on November 12
“We started small, with very few horses. Actually, the horses were supposed to be for sale. We trained [former thoroughbred] race horses, and from there, we got inquiries if we would be able to teach English riding,” Monette shares.
Over the years, the center’s mission has expanded to welcome everyone who is interested in horseback riding—including disciplines such as dressage and show jumping, and lessons for neurodivergent children who benefit from equine-assisted activities.
Riding at their own pace
“Ninety percent of our clients are regular students from whatever age, from three years old up. I’ve had students who were in their 80s. So, not all are in special needs,” Monette says. In fact, actors Anne Curtis and Gerald Anderson also took horse riding lessons at the center in 2023.
The center teaches English riding, a classic European style of horseback riding that encompasses both dressage and show jumping disciplines. English riding emphasizes balance, posture, and more importantly, communication between horse and rider.
READ: Animals deserve dignity, too
Although the center participates in local competitions such as show jumping events, Monette prioritizes genuine passion for horses over high-stakes events. “For us, it’s more about the love for horses and de-stressing,” she explains. Monette keeps the atmosphere free from pressure, while students can join local competitions when they would like to.
“This isn’t a career for most of our students because they are here for the passion, so we don’t force or rush their training.” Low-impact activities such as feeding and grooming the horse are also provided for students to enjoy.
“From my point of view as a coach, children need to be able to have activities. Not only inside a classroom or a small room,” Monette notes.
The non-judgmental nature of horses gives comfort to the clients, too. “Horses do not judge, and they do not answer you back,” she quips.
Occupational therapy meets horseback riding
Before a session begins, preparing the horses for these sessions is just as important as guiding riders. The center currently carries a total of 24 horses, but only four of them are designated for neurodivergent children.
READ: Compassionate service
According to Jed, Monette’s son and a licensed occupational therapist, some children may respond unpredictably around horses. They may grab a horse’s mane or splash water in front of it, for instance. This makes preparation and safety particularly important.
The center’s groomers desensitize select horses to sudden sounds. This conditioning ensures the horses remain calm and reliable in the ring without compromising the safety of both horse and rider.
Jed, meanwhile, adapts core occupational therapy principles directly to the bull ring during his sessions with neurodivergent students. “A well-stimulated child is a child ready to learn,” he explains.
Activities such as barrel racing and balancing a cup of water while riding allow students to work on their core balance and motor memory without placing too much pressure on them.
Jed, who grew up riding alongside the rest of his family, also takes a gradual approach to teaching independence. He trots right beside the horse to guide his student. As their confidence grows, he slowly increases his distance until they can guide the horse on their own.
“I used to run beside the horse… until eventually, I would tone it down, increase my distance, and observe in the center to the point that there will be a day that they will not need me anymore,” he says.
Taking off the training wheels
According to Jed, parents report to him that they observe fewer tantrums and experience fewer sensory meltdowns from their children at home.
“What I see is that their core muscles develop and their coordination improves. Initially, new riders flop around, but after a few weeks, their trunk control is much better, and they’re far more controlled on the horse… At the end of the day, it becomes more of a sport to them,” Jed adds.
Still, introducing families to equine-assisted learning brings its own hurdles. Jed observes that some parents are wary of the word “therapy,” which can carry negative associations. “We’ve handled several families who are in denial, and when they hear the word ‘therapy,’ it can feel negative, nearly 100 percent of the time,” Jed notes.
Inside the bull ring, rather than framing these sessions as formal medical treatment, Jed positions them as a step toward independent learning. It is similar to letting go of a bicycle once a child learns to ride and balance on their own. Better yet, seeing them confidently steer a horse on their own.
“That is the end goal. That’s why it’s assisted learning. I try to wean myself out of the program. To me, it’s concrete proof to the parents that whenever you have kids with special needs, it’s not yet the endgame for them.”
To book a horse-riding session or explore their equine-assisted activities, check out the official Facebook accounts of Marikina Equestrian Center or visit their Equine-Assisted Alternative Learning page.
