​

-- Equestrian Centers-Therapeutic

and Special Needs                              


Equestrian Centers
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          Several farms and stables in New Jersey have created programs in riding and equine care focused on those with physical, mental or emotional disabilities and other special needs. In some cases, the programs are offered as a supplemental service to regular riding lessons for the public; in others, the centers have focused exclusively on those with special needs.
  

       For individuals with physical challenges, the multi-dimensional movement of horseback riding has been shown to be similar to the gait of a person walking in the rider’s pelvis and core, thus enhancing the rider's physical strength, increased range of motion and improved posture. For those with emotional and communication difficulties, developing relationships with horses can be helpful in increasing self-confidence and a sense of well-being, particularly those with verbal difficulty in communicating in normal contacts with family and peers. While most programs center on riding, those unable to mount horses due to paralysis or other physical limitations appear to benefit by visiting  stables and viewing or participating in basic tasks such as feeding and grooming; a few stables also employ a horse and carriage in "therapeutic driving" as an alternative to mounted riding to improve bilateral motor control and direction skills. More recently, therapeutic equine programs also have been utilized as part of treatment for substance abuse and post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).

        International, national and state organizations have been established to promote recognition of the benefits of the use of horses in therapy for those with special needs, as well as to set standards for centers and instructors. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International), (founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association), is the leading organization certifying therapeutic centers and instructors on the basis of standards it has adopted, including requirements that instructors complete continuing education programs. It has more than 850 member centers, including 25 in New Jersey, and nearly 7,600 individual members, and provides resources and education programs on new developments and best practices in special needs instructional safety, training and therapies. The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is an international nonprofit association for professionals, with over 4,500 members in 50 countries, who incorporate horses to address mental health and personal development needs through programs collectively known as Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Another organization, the American Hippotherapy Association, ("hippo" is "horse" in Greek) offers educational courses in equine assisted therapy for currently licensed occupational, physical, speech and other therapists, who may seek further credentials in equine therapy through meeting standards and testing of the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. On the state level, HRH of New Jersey (Horseback Riding for the Handicapped) offers information and networking opportunities on therapeutic services in the state, awards an annual scholarship and encourages formation of new centers and programs. 

      The following profiles have been adapted from resources published by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and such national organizations as the American Horse Rescue Network and Equine Advocates. Please contact us with supplemental information or corrections.



*  Bergen County

Pony Power Therapies (Mahwah)
13-acre barrier-free fully accessible farm, home to 22 horses and ponies, as well as goats, pigs, chickens and bees. Therapeutic horseback riding and horse-assisted activities to children and adults in need of extra support that cannot be found at typical barn. Serves individuals as well as groups from local schools, hospitals, and other community agencies. Farm-based education also incorporated into life skills groups for teens. 


*  Passaic County

Starlight Farm (Ringwood)
Established 1999 by Executive Director Rie Longo, a nurse using her own horse, later expanded to serve currently over 80 special needs children weekly with certified riding instructors, along with speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist and physical therapist. Nine horses and one donkey. Summer horsemanship program for children aged 6-11.


*  Sussex County

Equine Tranquility Wellness Center (Andover)
Located on Equine Tranquility Farm. Indoor riding ring with state of art dustless footing, outdoor riding ring and trails. Centered riding lessons, therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, yoga on horseback, special "Mommy and Me" sessions, and  bi-weekly Saturday morning camp for children ages 5-13.  Private or group sessions.


*  Warren County

Therapeutic Riding at Centenary  (Hackettstown)
Housed at Centenary University Equestrian Center, serves children and adults with a variety of disabilities from surrounding area, also offers volunteer opportunities to local high school students and others. Also conducts approved training course for PATH International  Instructors in Training to prepare for certification by completing two semesters of course work..  Outdoor arena and two indoor arenas. Summer camp. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.

TRADE - Therapeutic Riding at Drakestown/Dragunas Equestrian
(Long Valley and Port Murray)
Also separate location at Long Valley in Morris County. Offers year-round lessons in indoor and outdoor riding facilities that combine instruction in both riding and horsemanship.  Lessons typically involve grooming, tacking, leading horse and riding.  Each lesson involves team consisting of rider, PATH International certified instructor and one or more volunteers. Also Theraputic Driving using horse and carriage for those unable to ride mounted. Summer camp.

*  Morris County

Freedom Horse Farm (Long Valley)
Serves adults and children with special needs. Therapeutic riding and learning programs along with other physical therapy utilizing  yoga, aquatic therapy and water aerobics. Horses Helping Heroes Veterans program.


Hope's Promise Farm (Chester)
Founded 2012 on six-acre farm by Executive Director Maureen Coultas, PATH International certified instructor and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder sufferer. Three full-sized and three miniature horses, which are available for visits to nursing homes, schools and facilities and trained to go inside  buildings,  elevators, and even bedrooms of bed-ridden individuals. Off Route 206.

TRADE - Therapeutic Riding at Drakestown/Dragunas Equestrian
(Long Valley)
Also separate location at Port Murray in Warren County. Offers year-round lessons in indoor and outdoor riding facilities that combine instruction in both riding and horsemanship.  Lessons typically involve grooming, tacking, leading horse and riding.  Each lesson involves team consisting of rider, PATH International certified instructor and one or more volunteers. Also Theraputic Driving using horse and carriage for those unable to ride mounted. Summer camp.


*  Essex County

Rocking Horse Rehab  (West Orange)
Pediatric rehabilitation and family wellness center specializing in equine assisted therapies along with alternative and traditional programs in speech, physical, and occupational therapy from licensed and certified therapists. Located within Essex Equestrian Center, Olympic sized, heated, indoor arena.with seven viewing windows.


*  Hunterdon County

Mane Stream (Oldwick)
PATH international certified instructors, also provides occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physical therapy with licensed therapists in each field. Take the Reins program for veterans and service members who have suffered injury or illness coincident with their military service. Horses for Healing program for recovering children and adult cancer patients conducted in cooperation with Cancer Support Community of Central New Jersey.  medical context and into a naturally engaging environment. Other partnerships with  Matheny Medical and Educational Center, Daytop School, and Hunterdon County Educational Services Commission. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics. Summer camp.


Riding with HEART (Pittstown)
Located on 29-acre farm, offers activities and therapies to adults and children that may have physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities. Along with therapeutic riding, participants  encouraged to brush and groom horses, participate in other barn activities. Summer camp. Also riding lessons for parents, siblings, volunteers, and peers.

Equine Tranquility Wellness Center (Andover)
Located on Equine Tranquility Farm. Indoor riding ring with state of art dustless footing, outdoor riding ring and trails. Centered riding lessons, therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, yoga on horseback, special "Mommy and Me" sessions, and  bi-weekly Saturday morning camp for children ages 5-13.  Private or group sessions.


*  Somerset County

Heads Up Special Riders (Kingston)
Hosted at Hasty Acres Riding Club just outside Princeton. Established in 1990 by Anne Banse, who had been escorting a handicapped rider from Princeton area to program in Pennsylvania, sought to initiate more local program. Since 2013  program run by Clare Russell,  expanded to include Equine Assisted Psychotherapy including clients from Womanspace battered women's shelter and also recovering addicts.  Lessons by PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor.


*  Middlesex County


Special Strides Therapeutic Riding Center (Monroe)
Located at Congress Hill Farm and equestrian training center. 200 acres of training areas with 15 horses, (outdoor and indoor arenas) and wooded trails with variety of sensory equipment such as trampolines, swings, adventure course with balance beams and variety of playground equipment including trampoline. Individuals can explore farm during therapy, picking vegetables in gardens and visiting other farm animals such as a rabbit, cats, goats, sheep, chickens and alpaca.

Fun in Motion (Cranbury and Princeton Junction)
Two separate locations in Cranbury and Princeton Junction. Affiliated with occupational therapy treatment by Dr. Aly Cohen. Therapeutic equestrian programs established 2004, led by Robby Devery, occupational therapist with 30 years of clinical experience, worked with school systems in New York, California and New Jersey. EASE™ (Equine Assisted Social Skills Experience) program offers experiential approach to learning incorporating typical social skills objectives through horse-based activities.


*  Mercer County


Mercer County Equestrian Center (Pennington)
Operated by Mercer County Park Commission. 31 stalls, indoor and two outdoor rings, two grooming stalls, and 11 horse pastures Therapeutic riding and stable programs for children and adults with special needs.

Riding High Farm (Allentown)
Established 1979 on 10-acre farm. Indoor riding facility and stable, veterans program for returning Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers. Summer camp, sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.

Heads Up Special Riders (Lawrence)
Operates at Hasty Acres Equestrian Center. Established 1990 by Anne Banse, who sought to create Princeton area facility after previously having to escort a local handicapped rider to a program in Pennsylvania. Since 2013 program run by Clare Russell who has expanded program to include Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, with clients from Womanspace battered women's shelter and recovering addicts. 

*  Monmouth County

About Time Stables (Morganville)
Lessons for children and adults with and without special needs. Therapeutic lessons are adaptive riding lessons instructed by PATH International. registered therapeutic riding instructor. Focus on serving people with autism, but also provides lessons on riding, ground work, grooming, tack for other disabilities. Veterans program, birthday parties and lessons for scout badges. Off Routes 9 and 18.

Care From the Heart at Bella Rosa Riding Academy (Howell)
Therapeutic program as component of larger equestrian academy on 25-acre farm.  25 horses and ten instructors, Large indoor and two outdoor riding arenas, Lessons given throughout year.

Celtic Charms Therapeutic Horsemanship (Howell)
Equestrian center on 27-acre farm. Facilities include large indoor and outdoor arenas and extensive  woodland trails. Barn with heated/air conditioned temperature control and observation waiting room attached to indoor arena. Sponsors Special Olympic, Paralympics competitors.

Happy Tails (Colts Neck)
Therapeutic Riding Program for children and adults. Private and group lessons. Summer camp. Participates in shows and competitions. Also  regular riding lessons.

Hoof Prints On The Heart (Millstone)
Located at Golden Gait Farm. Group and individual Equine Assisted Activity and Therapy  sessions.  Session designs focus on education about equine psychology and behavior, as well as participant self-awareness. Sample designs include introduction to basic safety and horse care, equine-based grounding techniques, mindfulness, horsemanship education, leading, grooming, and trail walks. “Horses Helping Heroes” program works with veterans, active and reserve military members, first responders, and their families. Director Jenni Tevlin certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and  Therapeutic Riding Instructor, holds B.S. and M.S. in Animal Science with  specialization in Equine Science from Rutgers University, as well as M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from Monmouth University, developed and taught first graduate course in animal-assisted Therapy for Monmouth's psychological counseling program in 2014, continues to teach course, 'Animal Assisted Therapy in Counseling', as adjunct professor. 

Special People United to Ride (Lincroft)
Works in conjunction with Monmouth County Park System at Sunnyside Equestrian Center with 16 horses owned by Park System. Serves over 200 students with disabilities annually assisted by PATH International certified instructors and more than 100 volunteers. Summer camp and Horses Helping Heroes veterans program.

Special Therapeutic Education in Equestrian Development (STEED) (Allendale)
Accepts children from age 7 and adults. Certified NARHA Registered Instructors, Special Olympics instructors, sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.


*  Ocean County

Chariot Riders (Manchester)
Also operates second facility in Farmingdale in Monmouth County. In addition to lesson program, also summer camps, in-house and off premises horse shows, year round riding in indoor arena, in-house 4-H club, and group trips and activities. Developing sensory trail with themed stopping points providing riders opportunity to see, hear, smell, touch and talk about items along trail. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.

Rein Dancer Therapeutic Riding Center (New Egypt)
Located at 250-acre Laurita Equestrian Center working farm with training and boarding facilities for standardbred horses. Full-service equestrian program with on-site lessons, training, summer camps, experienced-based learning, field trips, boarding, team-building, competitions, volunteer opportunities. Hosts variety of shows and clinics for riders of all ages and abilities. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.


*  Atlantic County

HEARTS Therapeutic Riding Center (Egg Harbor) 
Located at 13-acre Rolling Seas Farm next to 400-acre Atlantic County Park. Two schooling rings, round pen to learn ground work, nine-stall barn and extensive trails. Outdoor-only facility, lessons offered March through November. Veterans program, Barn Rats program intended for children aged 6 or older teaches lessons on caring for horses, grooming, and horsemanship skills. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.


*  Cape May County

Cape May County Equestrian Facility: Healing Hooves Therapy Program
(Cape May Court House)
Lessons given weekly on Saturdays. Three therapy horses.


*  Burlington County

Beyond Balance (Mount Holly)
Located on privately-owned farm. Established as non-profit therapy riding program in 2006. Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.

Compassionate Friends TRC (Medford)
Founded 2007 by President and Program Director Sherri Briggs Certified PATH International Instructor and mentor for aspiring PATH instructors. Individual lessons on four horses. Summer camp.

Kaleidoscope Therapeutic Riding Program (Medford)
Therapeutic riding for children with physical,cognitive and/or emotional disabilities.
Summer camp. Horses Helping Heroes veterans program,  Sponsors competitors in Special Olympics, Paralympics.

Therapeutic Riding at Majoda Stables (Moorestown)
Established 1992, operates as tenant on property owned by adjacent CareOne Assisted Living Center, services for its residents and others with special needs. Riding, grooming and tack instruction. Also offers non-therapeutic lessons for riders of all ages and abilities.


*  Salem County

Equine Assisted Therapy of New Jersey (Mannington)
28-acre family farm. New indoor facility and barn specifically  designed for therapeutic services houses eight horses, outdoor arena and acres of fields. Individual and group lessons, Horses Helping Heroes veterans program, family and couples therapy, leadership and  team-building retreats.

Raise Your Dreams Farm (Pilesgrove)
12-acre farm with both therapeutic and regular lessons based upon European balanced seat in showing, jumping, cross country, dressage and gaming. Main ring and round pen, both with all-weather footing, cross country course with logs and natural jumps, surrounding trails. Selected as Equine Therapy Center for Salem County Autistic Association. Students also participate in horse shows. Christian focus, all lessons begin with a time of prayer, participates in fundraising campaigns for religious causes supporting foreign missions and local underprivileged children.


*  Gloucester County

Shadow Equestrian (Monroeville)
Riding programs for special needs children only. Four horses, two ponies and one miniature horse. Half acre grassy outdoor arena, lighted indoor arena  for uninterrupted 12-month therapy lessons. In addition to riding, grooming, tacking and handling instruction. Off Routes 55 and 47.

Therapeutic Riding Center South Jersey (Logan)
Located at DREAM Park equestrian event center built and operated since 2000 by Gloucester County with stables for 74 permanent horses.  Riding and driving lessons for children and adults with variety of special needs.  Also offers limited non-therapeutic lessons.
* Professional Association Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intenational)
* American Hippotherapy Association
* Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
* HRH of New Jersey (Horseback Riding for the Handicapped)