Business Details
35 Years
experience
Equine-Assisted Therapy Programs in Virginia
Healing Strides Of VA has dedicated over three decades to transforming lives through equine-assisted therapies. Established in 1991, we operate on 28 acres in Boones Mill, Virginia, offering a safe environment for individuals facing personal challenges. Our PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center status reflects our commitment to excellence, with certified instructors and licensed therapists delivering tailored programs. We specialize in therapeutic riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and mental health coaching, serving diverse populations including veterans and children with developmental needs. Our team combines equine expertise with clinical proficiency to foster resilience and personal growth.Recognized for innovative approaches like the ARCH model, we maintain partnerships with universities and equestrian leagues to expand our impact. Through internships and community outreach, we educate future professionals while maintaining rigorous safety and welfare standards. Our facilities include specialized arenas and therapy spaces designed to maximize client engagement with horses. With a focus on measurable outcomes, we document progress in areas like speech development and emotional regulation. As a non-profit organization, we rely on donations and volunteers to sustain our mission of wellness through equine connection.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Veterans Program
Mental Health Coaching
Hippotherapy
Equine Assisted Learning
Leadership Coaching
Field Trip Programs
Riding Club
Internship Opportunities
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in equine-assisted therapies
- PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors on staff
- Specialized programs for veterans with PTSD and trauma
- Evidence-based ARCH model for equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Comprehensive facilities including covered and outdoor arenas
Associations and certifications
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding Intl (PATH)
What people say
Huge improvements
Best therapy
Calmer and confident
Amazing staff
Extraordinary experience
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Structured riding sessions improve physical and emotional well-being through horse interactions. Participants develop balance, coordination, and confidence while working with certified instructors. Our program serves individuals with diagnoses ranging from autism to spinal injuries, using horse movement to stimulate neurological development and enhance motor skills.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Licensed therapists and equine specialists collaborate on trauma-informed treatment plans. The ARCH model utilizes horse behavior observations to facilitate emotional breakthroughs. Sessions focus on building trust, communication skills, and emotional regulation through ground-based interactions with horses in a non-judgmental environment.
Veterans Program
Free equine therapy services address PTSD, depression, and civilian transition challenges for veterans. Programs combine horsemanship training with mental health counseling, leveraging horses' nonverbal communication to rebuild trust and resilience. Participants engage in riding, ground work, and group therapy sessions tailored to military service experiences.
Hippotherapy
Occupational and physical therapists use horseback riding to improve core strength and sensory processing. The horse's rhythmic movement provides sensory input that enhances neuromuscular control, particularly benefiting children with conditions like cerebral palsy and cerebellar hypoplasia through structured therapeutic riding sessions.
Equine Assisted Learning
Experiential programs develop life skills through horse-human interactions. Participants learn communication, teamwork, and problem-solving by completing ground-based challenges with horses. Corporate teams and students gain self-awareness and leadership abilities through reflective exercises guided by certified equine specialists.
People
Carol Young
CEO
Leading Healing Strides Of VA since 1991, Carol brings three decades of equine therapy expertise. She oversees program development and strategic partnerships while maintaining PATH Intl. accreditation standards across all therapeutic services.
Daniel Brooks
Clinical Director of MHEC
As LCSW and clinical director, Daniel coordinates mental health services using evidence-based equine-assisted therapies. He supervises therapeutic programs for trauma survivors and veterans while ensuring compliance with clinical best practices.
Margaret Cornwell
Collegiate Coach | CTRI
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and collegiate equestrian coach, Margaret leads riding programs and competition teams. She develops horsemanship curricula and trains riders from beginners to national championship levels in English disciplines.
Kathy Murphy-Stevenson
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker specializing in equine-assisted psychotherapy. Kathy implements trauma-informed treatment plans and provides individual counseling sessions using the ARCH model to address emotional and behavioral challenges.
Norma Hoeppner
Schedule Coordinator | CTRI
Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor managing program scheduling and volunteer coordination. Norma ensures smooth operation of daily therapy sessions while mentoring new instructors in PATH Intl. standards.
Questions
What equine therapy services do you offer?
We provide therapeutic riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy, mental health coaching, veterans' programs, and hippotherapy for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
Are your instructors certified?
All riding instructors are PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors with additional certifications from USHJA and the National Council of Certifying Agencies.
Do you serve veterans?
Yes, our Veterans Program offers free equine-assisted services for PTSD, trauma, and transition support, recognized by Virginia's First Lady's Opportunities Hall of Fame.
How can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers for horse handling, program support, and administrative tasks. Contact our volunteer coordinator for training and scheduling details.
What age groups do you serve?
Our programs accommodate children as young as 6, adolescents, adults, and veterans, with specialized services for developmental, emotional, and physical challenges.
Can I visit your facility?
Tours are available by appointment. Contact our office to schedule a visit and see our 28-acre facility with indoor/outdoor arenas and therapy spaces.
