Equine-Assisted Services

Individuals or groups can participate in one of our three core programs, each designed to support individualized growth through purposeful and meaningful equine experiences.

Adaptive Riding & Horsemanship

Physical, Occupational, & Speech Therapies

Mental Health Services

Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship

Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship at MTR teaches riding and horsemanship skills to individuals ages 5 and up with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities, using dressage-based principles and individualized instruction from PATH Intl. Certified Instructors.

Participants may ride or engage in unmounted lessons, with instruction tailored to their needs and goals. Though recreational, this program also delivers meaningful therapeutic benefits, from improved body awareness and focus to stronger social skills, empathy, and self-advocacy.

Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies

Physical, occupational, and speech therapies at MTR are led by licensed therapists trained through the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc., who integrate equine movement and other unmounted and nature informed interventions into individualized treatment plans for participants as young as 2 years old. These sessions may include mounted activities in a comprehensive treatment plan, not to teach riding, but to engage the participant’s sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems in pursuit of functional goals. Unlike traditional therapy settings, this approach is dynamic and multisensory. 

A physician’s prescription is required to participate in physical, occupational, and speech therapies.

Mental Health Services

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) at MTR is a ground-based, experiential approach to mental health, co-led by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist, both certified in the Eagala model. There’s no riding, just real-time connection, reflection, and discovery through work with our horses.

Some stories are easier to tell when there’s a horse listening.

Horses respond honestly and without judgment, making them powerful partners in therapy. Whether navigating grief, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, or simply seeking personal growth, clients of all ages can benefit from this unique approach.

The minimum age for EAP is 8 years old.
HEAL

HEAL (Holistic Equine-Assisted Learning) at MTR offers mindful, ground-based group experiences with horses, guided by a licensed mental health provider and a certified equine specialist. There’s no riding, just real-time connection, reflection, and discovery through meaningful interactions with horses and others.

Horses respond honestly and without judgment, creating opportunities to build confidence, strengthen communication and coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness. Whether working on relationships, emotional regulation, social skills, or simply exploring personal growth, participants can discover new insights in the peaceful, calming environment of the farm.

HEAL is available for groups, with programs designed to meet participants where they are.
Nature Informed Therapy

Nature-Informed Therapy at MTR offers individuals the opportunity to engage in therapy within the calming and restorative environment of our farm and natural spaces. Sessions are facilitated by licensed mental health professionals and may include walking, mindfulness, guided meditation, somatic awareness, nature observation, creative expression, journaling, and other ways of intentionally connecting with the natural environment.

Nature offers space to slow down, engage the senses, and step outside the traditional therapy setting. Sessions are thoughtfully tailored to each individual’s needs and goals and may be especially meaningful for those navigating anxiety, stress, depression, burnout, grief, life transitions, relationship challenges, or seeking greater emotional well-being and personal growth. Through intentional time in nature, clients can develop greater self-awareness, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and a deeper sense of connection and well-being.

Program Testimonials

“Some of the challenges of Down syndrome are low muscle tone and joint hyper-flexibility. The staff made the work of gaining control of her body, and the horse, fun and engaging! She is so proud that she is now able to ride independently and continues to grow her knowledge and skills! I believe that Emma’s story demonstrates MTR’s mission beautifully; it has been a blessing in our lives!”

Lynn A.

Parent of Participant

“He [grandson] eagerly anticipates his rides at MTR and has greatly benefited from the amazing therapeutic environment that hippotherapy provides. His smile says it all! In addition we are inspired by the caring work of the staff and volunteers at MTR and are very grateful for their commitment and dedication.”

Heather and Richard

Grandparents of Participant