Business Details
Therapeutic Riding Programs for All Abilities
Horse Sense was founded on the belief that every individual possesses a unique potential waiting to be nurtured through meaningful connections with horses. Our mission focuses on helping people navigate life challenges such as substance use, addiction, trauma, and developmental delays through equine-assisted therapy. With over two decades of experience in therapeutic riding instruction, our team combines specialized training with a deep understanding of how horses can foster emotional growth and resilience. We serve individuals across diverse backgrounds, including those with autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, and behavioral challenges, creating personalized programs that emphasize trust, focus, and overcoming fear. Our tranquil Howell, NJ facility provides a safe environment where participants develop confidence and coping skills through hands-on interaction with horses.The programs founder, Loree Mahalchick, brings decades of practical expertise in equine therapy, having pioneered this approach after witnessing its transformative impact on her own daughter. We maintain rigorous standards of care through certified therapeutic riding practices, ensuring each session delivers measurable emotional and physical benefits. Our approach integrates both riding and ground-based activities to address specific therapeutic goals while maintaining a strong commitment to accessibility and community support. Client testimonials consistently highlight the programs effectiveness in building self-esteem, improving physical coordination, and creating lasting emotional connections. As a nonprofit organization, we prioritize expanding access to equine therapy through scholarship opportunities and community partnerships.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Autism Support Programs
PTSD Recovery for Veterans
Developmental Delay Support
Behavioral Health Interventions
At-Risk Youth Programs
Physical Coordination Training
Emotional Resilience Building
Horse Care Education
Highlights and features
- We offer certified therapeutic riding instructors with decades of specialized experience
- Our programs address both physical and emotional challenges through equine partnerships
- Personalized approach tailored to each participant's unique needs and abilities
- Peaceful Howell, NJ facility designed specifically for therapeutic horse interactions
- Proven track record helping diverse populations achieve measurable confidence growth
What people say
Gained self confidence
Special bond with horses
Beautiful farm experience
Improved physical growth
Patient instructors
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Structured riding sessions designed to improve physical coordination and emotional well-being through horse interactions. Participants develop balance, core strength, and confidence while building trust with trained therapy horses. Our program specifically addresses challenges like autism, PTSD, and developmental delays through customized riding activities.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Ground-based therapy programs focusing on emotional growth and coping skill development. Participants engage in guided horse care activities that teach responsibility, communication, and emotional regulation. This approach benefits individuals facing trauma, behavioral challenges, and mental health conditions through non-verbal therapeutic interactions.
Autism Support Programs
Specialized equine therapy sessions tailored for individuals on the autism spectrum. Our programs enhance sensory processing, social interaction, and emotional regulation through structured horse care and riding activities. The predictable nature of horses creates a calming environment that supports skill development in a non-judgmental setting.
PTSD Recovery for Veterans
Targeted equine therapy programs addressing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in military veterans. Participants develop grounding techniques and emotional resilience through daily horse care routines and riding exercises. The program fosters trust-building and present-moment awareness in a supportive, low-stress environment.
Developmental Delay Support
Customized equine-assisted programs improving physical and cognitive development for individuals with delays. Riding activities enhance muscle tone, balance, and spatial awareness while horse care tasks develop fine motor skills and sequencing abilities. Our approach adapts to each participant's unique developmental needs and progress pace.
People
Loree Mahalchick
Founder & Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Certified therapeutic riding instructor with 25+ years experience developing equine-assisted programs. Pioneered the HorseSense approach after witnessing her daughter's transformation through horse therapy. Specializes in adapting riding techniques for individuals with physical and emotional challenges.
Questions
What therapeutic riding programs do you offer?
We provide customized equine therapy for autism, PTSD, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges through riding sessions and ground-based horse care activities.
How does equine therapy help emotional growth?
Horses provide immediate feedback that helps participants develop emotional awareness and regulation. Our structured activities teach trust-building, responsibility, and non-verbal communication skills.
Who can benefit from your services?
Our programs serve individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, ADHD, developmental delays, and behavioral challenges, as well as at-risk youth and military veterans.
What makes your Howell facility unique?
Our center offers a tranquil, purpose-built environment with specialized equipment and trained therapy horses designed specifically for adaptive riding programs.
How do you measure therapy progress?
We track improvements in confidence, physical coordination, emotional regulation, and social interaction through personalized goal-setting and regular progress assessments.