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What is Equine-assisted Services ?

Therapeutic riding is an equine-assisted service to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs.


Throughout the world, hundreds of thousands of individuals with and without special needs experience the rewarding benefits of equine-assisted services (EAS). A physical, cognitive, or emotional special need does not limit a person from interacting with horses. Such interactions can prove highly rewarding. For instance, experiencing the rhythmic motion of a horse can be very beneficial. Riding a horse moves the rider's body in a manner similar to a human gait, so riders with physical needs often show improvement in flexibility, balance, and muscle strength.  


Whether it's a five-year-old with Down syndrome, a 45-year-old recovering from a spinal cord injury, a senior citizen recovering from a stroke, or a teenager struggling with depression, research shows that individuals of all ages who participate in EAS can experience physical and emotional rewards. For individuals with emotional challenges, the unique relationship formed with the horse can lead to increased confidence, patience, and self-esteem. Working with horses provides a powerful new paradigm for teams in the corporate workplace and any individual seeking better leadership, team building, or communication skills.  


Source: PATH International


Why Divine Equine?

  - We start the lesson with grooming, where students can connect with their horse and feel responsible for caring for another being.    

- We set goals and carefully plan lessons around those goals, such as posture, strength, and flexibility improvement.   

 - We also take the student as they are in the moment and will do groundwork or riding, according to their needs.    

-Riders learn balance, which helps with coordination and self-assurance while their core gets a great workout.    

-Students have a sense of accomplishment as new levels of expertise and new goals are met, such as riding independently.  

-Students get a consistent team who knows your name and is excited to see you each week. The instructors work with every student so that the routine of being greeted by familiar faces is part of the experience. We are very intentional about being a physically and psychologically safe space for whoever comes. There can be a stigma or social sacrifices for some of our students in the world but at Divine Equine, come as you are.     


We celebrate and honor each individual and deeply appreciate their caretakers and loved ones. Divine Equine is a PATH member center that sets a high bar of excellence in caring for the horses and students. As the premier professional membership organization, PATH Intl. is an international voice of the equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) industry.   501(c)(3) #83-2748704  

My daughter has been coming to Divine Equine to help with her selective mutism and it has already made such a big difference in her life. She immediately felt at home with the animals and all the welcoming and warm staff and volunteers. The sessions are allowing her to feel special and respected in her own rhythm. Her confidence is starting to build in social situations. There's just no words to describe the connection and bonding between her and the horse (this connection continues even after the session!) and that is exactly what makes her want to talk louder and be heard.  We are blessed to be part of this program and can't wait to continue the sessions. Thank you for your amazing work :)

- Anne, parent

My beautiful son is 15 and has mod/severe autism and a LOT of anxiety. New things are HARD for him (even good things). Since he has begun riding he has been much more regulated and flexible - even through COVID-19 times. He is learning to be more patient during transitions, communicating with the horses verbally to get him what he wants and truly understanding right/left concepts for the first time.  Kristy has been great with him as have the volunteers. He always looks forward to his weekly ride time! I look forward to watching him make further gains in the future.

- Wendy, parent

Divine Equine in action

Meet Zoey and her mom Stephanie

See what equine-assisted activities look like, see Kristy, volunteers and horses in action and how the experience helps Zoey...and her mom.

Meet Jack and his mom Sarah

Jack benefits from riding in ways that surprises his mom Sarah. She speaks to what a gift it is to donate to provide scholarships to help financially challenged families bring their loved ones to ride.

Learn more about the benefits of equine-assisted activities

Watch an interview with a parent about therapeutic riding

Kristy's interview on the podcast, Mother's Guide Through Autism

Kristy's interview on Talk of the Bay

Divine Equine helps rescue animals in the Santa Cruz wildfires

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