Who We Are

Equus Therapeutic, Inc., is a nonprofit equine-assisted therapy program housed at Oakhollow Farm in Williamstown, MA. We held our first session of therapeutic riding in 1982 as a community 4-H project. We follow the rigorous safety guidelines established by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, and our board of directors oversees the program.

 

Our Mission

The mission of Equus Therapeutic is to provide a safe, encouraging environment where children and adults with special needs maximize their physical, emotional, and intellectual potential through the development of their relationship with horses.

 

Services

We offer individual and group instruction in therapeutic riding for both children and adults, from beginner to advanced levels. We also offer individual hippotherapy sessions. For more information about therapeutic riding and hippotherapy, click here.

 

Clients

Over the years, our riders have ranged in age from 3 to 70, and in special needs from mild learning disabilities to profound physical and mental challenges. Those challenges have included ADD, ADHD, autism, bipolar disorder, blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, schizophrenia, and spina bifida. At present, we serve 40 riders.

 

Many of our riders participate in several events throughout the year: our benefit horse shows, our benefit gymkhanas, our summer horsemanship week, our ride-a-thon, and the Special Olympics equestrian events.

 

Instruction

Our instructors, certified by PATH, consult with physicians, therapists, and educators to tailor a beneficial therapeutic program for each rider. Volunteers assist with the classes, ensuring that the riders are in a safe and controlled environment.

 

Lessons are designed to promote success, and are held year-round in the indoor and outdoor arenas at Oakhollow Farm. Some lessons also extend to the surrounding trails.

 

Horses

The horses for the program are carefully screened and trained. They are very special animals who are proven to be safe and who enjoy working with special riders.

 

Funding

Funding for the program comes from donations from businesses and individuals, the Williamstown Community Chest, an annual tag sale, an annual ride-a-thon, benefit horse shows, and rider fees.