EquiFriends - providing therapeutic equestrian activities
for people with special needs
EquiFriends offers four 10-week sessions through the year to improve the quality of life, health, and well-being for people with disabilities. Through therapeutic and enjoyable equine activities, riders learn horsemanship which stimulates physical, mental and emotional growth.
With safety a priority, EquiFriends' NARHA-certified instructors, registered therapists, specially trained horses and caring volunteers provide early intervention hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, sport riding, competition, and facilitated mental health therapy. These activities give a sense of freedom and independence while enabling the participant to experience accomplishments, interact socially, and learn new skills in a pleasurable environment.
The uniqueness of our program lies on the back of the therapy horse. For it is there that the special rider can find the hope of a better existence, a spirit of freedom from impairments and a sense of “being able.” We have 11 therapy horses, which have been chosen for their calm disposition, rhythmic gait, training and experience. Horses are acquired by EquiFriends through outright donation or by an “on loan” agreement with the owners.