Programs
Adaptive Horsemanship
Stable Hands was formed in 1996 with the goal of improving the physical, mental and social health of people living with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship activities.
Our carefully selected horses and specially trained volunteers assist our certified therapeutic riding instructors in providing a challenging activity in a safe environment. Our participants and horses are carefully matched to enable each rider to experience the benefits of therapeutic horsemanship and to work towards their goals. Our lessons are held in an outdoor facility on private property. Horsemanship activities in the great outdoors provides individuals with disabilities, access to Nature and all the benefits of fresh air, sunshine and breezes.
Adaptive horsemanship activities include grooming, saddling, leading and warm up activities on the ground as well as mounted riding lessons in small groups. Some of our participants are independent and others are assisted by a horse leader and two sidewalkers to ensure their safety. The benefits of therapeutic horsemanship are improvements in strength, balance, confidence, communication and social skills. Horses do not judge or criticize. They close their eyes and soak in the attention of a gentle hand and carry their participant places their legs may not be able to take them.
Stable Hands is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Center. This accreditation insures that Stable Hands meets the highest standards in the therapeutic horsemanship industry.
Horses helping Heroes
Horses helping Heroes is a program of Stable Hands where military Veterans can build strength and confidence while developing horsemanship skills. HhH has been running three eight week sessions per year since 2009.
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Horses helping Heroes is a program where military veterans and service members can develop horsemanship skills. This program is built on the foundation of Veteran peer support and utilizes the camaraderie between Servicemen and women to provide a supportive environment. Trained Veteran volunteers assist with each session. We operate from a beautiful outdoor facility located on private property. Horsemanship and riding skills are taught in mounted and dismounted sessions by PATH certified riding instructors.
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We provide a supportive atmosphere and help Veterans discover an activity you can successfully participate in.
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Founded in 1996, Stable Hands is a PATH Premier Accredited Center and follows the national standards set by PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International). Stable Hands is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.
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Contact Stable Hands today by email at info@stablehands.org for more information.
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Please read the articles below to learn from first hand experience.
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“My Horse Has PTSD”: A North State Marine’s Survival Tale
Stable Hands’ Veterans Program was featured in the Vanguard 2010 Issue. To view the article, go to page 16.