Horses have been used in therapy since as far back as the Ancient Greeks. Even then, it was understood that riding was more than a means of transportation, it was also a way of improving the health and well-being of people with disabilities.

Therapeutic Riding is the use of horseback riding and activities with the horses to improve a variety of disabilities ranging from Traumatic Brain Injury and paralysis to Autism and Down Syndrome.  It now also includes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, the use of horses and activities with horses to address people with behavioral and antisocial behavior.  The wonderful thing about Therapeutic Riding is that it can be tailored to the individuals needs and problems. 

Happy Hooves is a nonprofit organization. As such, we depend on contributions to provide feed, veterinary and farrier care, tack, and anything else that it takes to operate the program. Please call to make a donation or to learn how to sponsor a horse and rider. 

Volunteers provide an invaluable service to Happy Hooves. Experience with horses is not necessary, as assistance is needed for all positions within the program. Please look at our volunteer page for examples of the contribution they make - call today to find out how you can become a Happy Hooves volunteer!

Happy Hooves works with individuals and groups, examples of groups we work with are:

Career Center: The youth come for one academic day per week. All regular classroom activities are completed with the teachers and aides while at the farm. In addition each student participates in a therapeutic riding lesson with a PATH Intl certified instructor. The group is focused on job readiness and social skills.  The unique learning environment allows for creative teaching techniques to instruct students and demonstrate various social skills needed to be successful in the workforce.

After school program:  At risk youth ages 9-15 come for one day per week for a 3 hour interactive program which will include a therapeutic riding lesson, equine facilitated psychotherapy and counseling, plus a homework/study session. This program focuses on academic success through the homework session whilst therapeutic riding targets positive self-esteem and character development, as well as life skills development