Monterey Bay Horsemanship & Therapeutic Center

Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center (MBHTC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been serving the communities of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito counties, and the Bay Area since 1993. Our mission is to provide equine-assisted behavioral modification for all levels of physical and emotional needs. We are committed to encouraging and enabling participants of every ability level to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. We promote and cultivate community participation in all aspects of our working horse ranch, the barn, and its extended life skills programs.

What We Do

MBHTC offers a range of programs and services that are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients. We serve clients of all ages, including those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, MS, and para/quadriplegics. Our programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of each client and are facilitated by a team of trained and experienced staff members.

Our programs include:

• The Respite Program: This program provides a break for caregivers and families of individuals with special needs. Participants enjoy a day of horse-related activities while their caregivers get a much-needed break.
• Saturday Club Program: This program provides an opportunity for individuals with special needs to participate in horse-related activities, including grooming, riding, and horsemanship.
• The Young Adult Program: This program is designed to help young adults with special needs transition to independence. Participants learn life skills, including job readiness, communication, and socialization.
• Community Integration: This program provides opportunities for individuals with special needs to participate in community activities and events.
• The Work Program: This program provides vocational training and job placement for individuals with special needs.

In addition to our programs, we also offer:

• United States Pony Club and lesson program: This program provides horsemanship education and training for individuals of all ages and ability levels.
• Summer Camp: Our summer camp program provides a fun and engaging environment for children to learn about horses and horsemanship.
• Therapeutic Riding: Our therapeutic riding program provides individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience the physical and emotional benefits of horseback riding.

At MBHTC, we believe that horses have the unique ability to heal, teach, and empower individuals with special needs. We are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment where participants can learn, grow, and thrive.

Our Story

MBHTC was founded in 1993 with the goal of providing a therapy center that is like no other. Over the years, we have built and created a therapy center that serves the healing and development of young lives who have been damaged or in some way unaccepted by the world we live in. We have developed our programs one at a time in response to where the need is. Today, we have a range of programs that serve clients from 2 years old to 70, with the majority of the clients within the autistic spectrum.

We are located in the beautiful grounds of the Monterey Bay Academy of La Selva Beach, where we run a 30-stall barn that houses our amazing partners in therapy. We are proud to be a member of the United States Pony Club Central Coast and to serve the communities of Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito counties, and the Bay Area.

If you think your loved ones or family has a challenge that has not been met, come and visit us today. We specialize in thinking outside the box and are committed to meeting the unique needs of each and every one of our clients.