EquiCenter, established in 2004, has become an internationally accredited equestrian center, providing therapeutic riding and other services to individuals with special needs, veterans, and at-risk youth on its beautiful 200-acre ranch. The center, located in Honeoye Falls, NY, serves around 200 individuals weekly through mounted and unmounted equestrian and veteran programs. EquiCenter facilitates emotional and psychological healing through human-horse interaction and nature-based ... Read More
EquiCenter, established in 2004, has become an internationally accredited equestrian center, providing therapeutic riding and other services to individuals with special needs, veterans, and at-risk youth on its beautiful 200-acre ranch. The center, located in Honeoye Falls, NY, serves around 200 individuals weekly through mounted and unmounted equestrian and veteran programs. EquiCenter facilitates emotional and psychological healing through human-horse interaction and nature-based activities.
The center's mission is to foster growth, wellness, and educational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities through the power of equestrian, horticultural, and outdoor experiences. These activities contribute to physical, emotional, and mental health, enhancing the quality of life for participants.
In 2008, EquiCenter started serving veterans, helping them heal from visible and invisible wounds through human-horse interactions. The innovative Mission Mustang program involves veterans working with wild mustangs, aiding their adjustment to captivity. A therapeutic horticulture program funded by the VA Office of Rural Health was introduced four years ago, benefiting 20 veterans who experience personal growth while cultivating and harvesting produce.
EquiCenter also focuses on low-income special education students in Monroe County, partnering with organizations that serve youth affected by poverty and trauma. The HEAL (Horticulture and Equine Active Learning) program involves school staff and therapists, providing 4- to 8-week sessions for at-risk youth.
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International is the leader in equine assisted learning (EAL) and has extensively researched the impact of these activities on cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of those with special needs. Their evidence supports the use of EAL to achieve positive outcomes related to health, education, sport, and relationships. Each riding instructor is PATH-certified and both volunteers and horses have been carefully selected and trained for their vital roles.
Participants in adaptive riding programs have diverse diagnoses, such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and more. After an initial analysis of their medical conditions and needs, a work plan is created to guide certified instructors in designing each lesson. Data reveals that over 85% of individuals progress on their personal goals through these services. Equestrian activities yield emotional awareness, social skills, impulse control, confidence, trust, empathy, critical thinking skills, and physical benefits such as improved posture, muscle strength, communication skills, and cardiovascular health.
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