The goal of Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship (UTTH) is to provide a safe, positive environment, allowing participants to become more self-sufficient and enrich their daily lives. Upward Transitions provides independence to participants by enabling them to feel the freedom of sitting on top of a horse and leaving the confines of their disability behind. For individuals with mental or emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed between a rider and horse can lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. The therapeutic environment that horses provide cannot be duplicated in a clinical setting and as a result riders benefit from their accepting and trusting interaction.