Fabrizio Moretti opens a hippotherapy centre for children and young people with disabilities

A great place to spend time with friends, have fun and improve your health

The horse, with its extraordinary gifts of sensitivity, adaptation, and intelligence has always been considered a valuable support for rehabilitation, being able to stir emotions in the rider is particularly suitable for stimulating the development of residual abilities. Precisely for these reasons, the Fabrizio Moretti Foundation's first project was to build a hippotherapy center of excellence in Prato, in the heart of Tuscany, where young people and children in economically, socially or family disadvantaged conditions can find access to the service.

Il Centro Moretti di Riabilitazione Equestre

"I dream of providing the opportunity for a better life and new horizons for kids and adults in need and their families," Moretti says. "Hippotherapy leads to gaining more self-confidence, making peace with one's disabilities, and opening up to smiles. Regardless of age, accepting one's own disability or that of a loved one can sometimes be a difficult aspect to deal with. This is why we try to carry out a functional process aimed at appropriate disability management. For us, the enhancement of one's potential comes through respect for others, altruism and equality."

Here is our latest interview with Moretti on the occasion of the International Biennial of Antiques 2022.

Fabrizio Moretti

The center has an indoor riding arena, an outdoor riding arena, stables changing rooms and clubhouse. The eight stalls can comfortably house eight horses that serve the children who attend the center. Each equipped with outdoor access, they are designed to be the nucleus of the entire facility.

Il Centro Moretti di Riabilitazione Equestre

Adjacent to the stable, the Center is equipped with a structure called a carousel, reminiscent from its shape of those in amusement parks. This instrument is used to warm up and defatigue the horses, qua subjected during session cycles to a constant pace dictated by the machine. The large outdoor riding arena, adjacent to the stables, is suitable for all rehabilitation activities. The riding arena is in a quiet area, surrounded by trees and plants. The air is fresh and clean and the sun shines.

Classes are taught by qualified and passionate instructors who are available to answer questions and give advice. It is an ideal place to spend time with friends, have fun, and improve your health and well-being.

Il Centro Moretti di Riabilitazione Equestre

The animals at the center also have a demarcated enclosure where they can stand in the open area; it is located behind the roundabout at the side of the uncovered riding arena. Large and very spacious it allows the animals to run and play and socialize together. The center is committed to animal welfare, in fact every space is designed to meet the needs of the animals and to allow them to live a happy and healthy life.