EQUI-KIDS THERAPEUTIC RIDING PROGRAM

Founded in 1989, EQUI-KIDS is a 501c3 organization that provides life-changing equine-assisted services (EAS) to a large and diverse community of children and adults with special needs in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. The organization is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) as a Premier Accredited Center. PATH Intl. is the international professional organization that sets the standards for the EAS industry and certifies credentials for PATH Intl. centers and instructors. EQUI-KIDS has been proudly serving our community for over 30 years.

EQUI-KIDS serves an average of 80 to 100 participants each week and all services are provided by credentialed providers. Participants range in age from 5 years to seniors in their 90s with more than 150 distinct diagnoses recorded. Our programs also serve veterans, active-duty military service members, and first responders. Our programs include:

Therapeutic Riding provides mounted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with special needs. Therapeutic benefits include increased muscle strength, balance, coordination, motor skills, communication, self-confidence, self-esteem, and independence.

Therapeutic Horsemanship provides un-mounted activities that focus on teaching participants various equestrian skills while improving their cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral skills.

Equine-Assisted Learning is an experiential learning approach, which promotes the development of life skills. This focus on life skills can be related to academic achievement and classroom behavior, personal growth and exploration, or professional pursuits such as leadership development, team building, and executive coaching.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (mental health) is an individual or group-based service. EAP fosters an organic approach to helping participants reach their clinical goals. These services are provided by Licensed Mental Health Professionals and Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning.

EQUI-VETS Military Service Program offers physical and mental healing through equine-assisted activities for armed service members wounded in the line of duty. Offering therapeutic horseback riding, horse care activities, and outdoor experiences; this program is offered to active duty and retired veterans at no cost in honor of their dedicated service to our country. Interacting with the horse strengthens emotional bonds and builds trust and confidence with each session. The goal of the program is to assist in physical and mental healing through equine activities to help our heroes reconnect to their families and their lives.

EQUI-HEROES First Responder Program is a collaborative program with the Virginia Beach Mounted Patrol that provides equine-assisted services to first responders and other support personnel affected by the mass shooting that occurred in 2019. This program launched in 2021 and is offered at no cost to the participants.

School Partnership Program is a collaborative program with Virginia Beach Public Schools that assist students with special needs from local public elementary and middle schools. Participants work on improving learning comprehension, social interactions, and self-esteem. The curriculum enhances their focus and attention, both inside the classroom and at home. This program meets many of the state of Virginia’s Standards of Learning.

Job Coaching is a collaborative program with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools Office of Exceptional Children. This program provides job coaching, in partnership with the school, to young adults with special needs. This helps participants acquire life skills and receive hands-on training for the social and task-related skills needed to prepare for entering the workplace after aging out of the public school system.

Girl Scout Program offers a Therapeutic Horsemanship Patch to the Girl Scouts of America. This program teaches scouts about the benefits of equine-assisted activities and how scouts can become involved in volunteering in order to give back to their community.

Summer Camps are offered for children as inclusion camps that are open to the public as well as our participants. In addition, private camp weeks can be developed as contracts with an organization or business. These camps are customized based on the learning objectives and criteria provided to us.

Professional Education opportunities such as Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. approved workshops, other continuing education for EAAT professionals, and collaborations with local colleagues and universities is offered.

Professional Retreats customized to the needs of your organization to include leadership development, team building, and professional development.

EQUI-KIDS relies upon 250 active volunteers who receive rigorous training and who provide 13,000 volunteer hours annually. More than 600 participants are served during an average fiscal year. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors and is staffed by 12 full-time/10 part-time employees, along with a herd of 12 horses and 6 ponies. Each horse is a different size and has a unique personality, which provides us the opportunity to create the optimal match between horse and participant. EQUI-KIDS has a highly engaged and influential board of directors. EQUI-KIDS fundraising comprises 92% of its gross annual operating revenue of $1,300,000.00. EQUI-KIDS continually improves the methodology and evaluation of its services to develop the most positive, cost-effective, efficient services and organizational structure possible. EQUI-KIDS provides therapeutic interventions to help develop healthier, more productive citizens, creating a positive impact for our community today and in the future.

EQUI-KIDS has the ability to create sustainable, long-term programs that provide measurable objectives that carry over into the participant’s life at school or at work, at home, and in the community. Now, more than ever, EQUI-KIDS is an invaluable resource for children and adults with special needs and their families, as well as our military heroes and first responders.

Parent Testimonial:
Both of my children, Roland and Beatrice benefit from the services at EQUI-KIDS, and my oldest daughter donates her time as volunteer. I want to share what a positive impact EQUI-KIDS has had on my children. I have been so impressed by every aspect of EQUI-KIDS and the organization is truly an amazing gift to the special community it serves. There are so many wonderful people that make EQUI-KIDS an extraordinary place. It is clear that the staff and volunteers have a true passion for their roles, the horses are wonderful partners for their participants, and the center is always meticulously maintained. EQUI-KIDS has provided a safe environment for my children to have experiences that would otherwise not be possible. I am so amazed by all they have gained and accomplished since starting EQUI-KIDS. I have noticed so much improvement in their confidence, their ability to listen and follow directions, overall body strength, and their remarkable strides towards independence. EQUI-KIDS creates an environment free of judgement and a place of acceptance, where both of my children can be themselves without fear of criticism. They would not be achieving their goals and reaching new heights if it were not for EQUI-KIDS.