Bit By Bit
Bit by Bit is a Corvallis, Oregon-based therapeutic riding program serving children and adults in Benton and Linn Counties through custom-tailored riding sessions.
Our programs assist clients with a range of diagnoses including Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury with paralysis, autism, ADHD, general anxiety disorder and depression. We also serve several bereavement clients.
Our therapy horses lift up their riders, giving them a new and different view of the world around them. Therapeutic riding assists clients through the rhythmic movement of the horse. Research has shown that the movement of the horse moves the rider’s body in a manner similar to a human gait, often improving flexibility, balance and muscle strength in riders with physical disabilities. Therapeutic riding also allows riders with an opportunity to enjoy physical exercise and outdoor activity.
The consistent, non-judgmental nature of our horses provides our riders a unique opportunity for companionship and support. Because of their kind and steady behavior, our riders can count on a safe and assuring relationship. All our clients benefit from their relationships with our trained staff and volunteers, who create a caring and inclusive environment.
Clients are referred to us by Linn Benton Early Intervention, Benton County’s Development Disabilities Program and by teachers from the Benton County School District. We welcome new riders to meet with the horses for a free 15-minute meet and greet. A regular session is $45 for 30 minutes.
Bit By Bit's founder:
Erin Bradley
Bit by Bit founder, Erin Bradley, was a horse-crazy girl for as long as she can remember. Growing up in Fair Oaks, California, outside of Sacramento, Erin babysat and cleaned stalls to pay for her own horses. She showed Arabians and later owned several off-track Thoroughbreds. Winchester, one of the Bit by Bit therapy horses, has been part of her family since 1999.
Erin was inspired to start Bit by Bit by her uncle, who was paralyzed in an automobile accident, but who continued to lead an energetic and active life, despite his inability to walk. She also found her calling through conversations with a friend about the lack of activities for her young daughter who had Down Syndrome. As she found out more about equine therapy she saw a need, not only for her friend’s daughter, but for many others in her community, that she could help meet.
In addition to running Bit by Bit full time, Erin is married and is the mother of a grown son, who is a diver and submariner in the U.S. Navy, and two daughters. Her family members enthusiastically support her work and serve as volunteers with clients and horses.
Winchester, Polish Arabian
Winchester is a Polish Arabian. He was Erin’s personal horse for 18 years before he joined the Bit by Bit team. He loves treats and will bow for them. He sometimes nods his head in agreement to conversations.
Our Horses
Gem, Golden Palomino Tennessee Walking Horse
Gem is a beautiful golden palomino Tennessee Walking Horse. Gem is a very empathic horse who is particularly skilled in caring for bereavement patients and children. She is related to Roy Rogers’ famous horse, Trigger.
Ardie Clydesdale, Quarter Horse Cross
Ardie is a Clydesdale, Quarter Horse cross. He was previously a sheriff’s posse horse and is the clown of the barn.
Fish, Mustang
Fish is a mustang from Palomino Butte. He was part of the Oregon Teens and Mustang Challenge. He is the youngest horse in the barn and has been working towards being a full time therapy horse.
Journey, American Quarter Horse
Journey is an American Quarter Horse. He was born at Bit by Bit in May 2016. Journey’s naturally calm, easygoing nature makes him a perfect therapy horse.
Remembering our horses
We would like to dedicate this section in memorial of previous Bit By Bit therapy horses
Cosmo was a shetland pony. His small size helped build confidence in timid riders. He loved to attend events like polar plunge and educate kids about horses at summer camps. He was about 30 years old when he passed.
Cosmo
Star
Star was a POA pony who was a fantastic 4H horse. Her previous owner is a leukemia survivor. He said she was his reason for living, but he grew too tall for her, so she came to Bit by Bit to be a therapy horse and personal riding horse of Erin's daughter. She was spunky and adventurous.
Beautiful Gracie was one of the founding horses at Bit by Bit. A Morgan x Arabian cross, she was trained in dressage and mounted shooting. Despite being the grandmother of the barn, she particularly enjoyed gaming! Her kind and gentle presence is missed by all.
Gracie
Ali
Lovely Ali was a registered American Paint Horse. As kind as she was tall, she was a favorite everywhere she went; she could carry everyone, from our tiniest client to our tallest. Ali had training in many disciplines, and was a show horse before joining Bit by Bit.