Our Programs

“Since beginning at Giant Steps, her therapy hours per week reduced from nine hours to three, and her behavior at home is so much better that I can care for her by myself instead of regularly needing an assistant.  She’s much happier–she has been getting repeat invites for playdates and we even had a successful slumber party!  That’s a first!  And such a normal activity for an 11-year-old girl!”

— Mother of rider living with reactive attachment disorder, age 11

Adaptive riding is extraordinarily versatile, as is groundwork and our other programming. Over its many years, Giant Steps has served riders with more than 60+ distinct disabilities, encompassing physical, developmental, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. Over time we have developed various programs to serve the many clients who come to us in pursuit of a more independent life. Here you can discover which program is best suited for your needs.

Who Can Participate

We support children and adults (minimum age is four). We are able to work with a wide range of abilities. Common diagnoses include, but are not limited to:

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Anxiety and depression

  • PTSD

  • Autism

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • Developmental delays

  • Down syndrome

  • Learning disorders

  • Stroke/TBI

  • Multiple Sclerosis

Silhouette of person riding a horse icon

Adaptive Riding

Adaptive riding enhances the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with disabilities through lessons teaching horseback riding and horsemanship skills.

Icon of a person petting a horse

Unmounted Activities

Unmounted lessons include engaging activities with horses that teach character development, confidence and reinforce life skills.

Blue horseshoe icon on gray background

Tailored Experiences

Customized experiences, ranging from half to full-day trips for community partners who want to interact with our horses in a way that is meaningful to them.

Adaptive Riding

In adaptive riding, PATH, Intl. certified instructors teach equitation and horsemanship skills in mounted horseback riding lessons. As participants with disabilities ride, control and steer their horses they gain physical, cognitive, social and emotional benefits.

Icon of a person with a question mark speech bubble

Helps with
Following Instructions

Icon of a person balancing on one leg with arms outstretched

Develops
Balance

Icon of a person running, symbolizing speed, in blue on a white circle background.

Improves
Motor Skills

Icon of a person lifting a barbell

Promotes
Strength

Blue stick figure dancing on a circular background

Improves
Coordination

Icon of a person in a sitting meditation pose on a gray background.

Improves
Concentration

Icon of three people with one waving, in blue on a white circle background.

Develops
Social Skills

Icon of a person doing yoga in a circle

Increases
Flexibility

Dark blue puzzle piece icon on a light gray circle background.

Encourages
Problem Solving

Icon of a person with raised arms

Builds
Self-Confidence

Unmounted Activities

Unmounted horsemanship consists of lessons that include engaging activities with horses that teach character development and reinforce life skills. Giant Steps staff collaborates with the client to establish specific goals.

Icon of three people standing together

Collaboration
and Teamwork

A blue smiley face with a heart next to it on a light gray background.

Emotional
Identification

Icon of three people connected in a circle

Awareness
of Others

Speech bubbles icon on gray background

Communication

Icon of a raised fist on a circular gray background

Perseverance

Icon of shaking hands in blue

Trust

Simple icon of a person with outstretched arms and legs on a gray circle.

Confidence

Silhouette of a head with a smaller head inside

Self
Awareness

Tailored Experiences

Giant Steps staff customizes experiences for community partners ranging from half to full-day programs. Programming may include riding, unmounted horsemanship, horse care, and other activities around the barn.

If you’d like to schedule a tailored experience, contact our Program Director.

Child and adult petting a brown horse in a stable.
Young boy wearing a helmet hugging a horse's neck outdoors.
A young child wearing a helmet riding a horse indoors, led by an older man. The scene is set in a covered riding area with trees and hills visible in the background.
Person in purple shirt leading a horse with rider

Our programs are made possible by our sponsors and donors. Please consider donating to our programs.

Program Tuition Information

We offer four terms each year. Lessons are once a week. Tuition is paid at the start of each term based on the number of weeks. There are no refunds or make-ups for missed lessons.

Scholarships are available for those who qualify; please download the scholarship application if you are interested in learning more.

If you would prefer a hard copy of the application, please call 707-781-9455.

Download forms