Great Strides Therapeutic Riding, Inc.

Application Process

How to apply for services:

1. Call us! You may call us yourself, or if you are working with another professional (psychiatrist, social worker, school guidance counselor, etc.) they can make the first call.

2. Schedule a free farm tour. This meeting is a basic introduction to the healing work at Great Strides. It will enable you to see the facility and meet one (or more) of our staff members, including our horses! If you are not sure which of our services will best meet your needs, this meeting can help to sort that out. If it is determined that Great Strides is not an appropriate match for your needs, we will help to find you a more appropriate referral.

3. Intake. The first few times you meet with your therapist or riding instructor, the focus will be getting to know you. In this way, we can work together to develop a plan with goals that is tailored to your individual needs. If you are in the horsemanship program, you will also begin to work with your horse, learning to groom and lead, in preparation for riding. If you are in the psychotherapy program, the first few meetings will mostly be "talk" meetings, and then the work with your horse therapist will begin.

Eligibility Criteria:

It is of primary concern that Great Strides provide a safe and productive experience for all participants, so that this healing can take place. To that end, Great Strides assesses clients for appropriateness for participation and provides ongoing assessment throughout a client's tenure.

In addition, clients should meet the following basic criteria:

be 8 years of age or older;

have a primary DSM-IV diagnosis or be coping with emotional or behavioral difficulties;

be willing to engage in treatment;

be able to follow directions and learn basic horse safety; and

have sufficient control over their emotions and behaviors so as to not be disruptive to the overall barn environment.

Referrals and Fee Information:

With generous support and contributions from the community, Great Strides is able keep costs down and offer this unique service at rates that are comparable to psychotherapy in an office setting. Financial assistance (via sliding fee scale) may be available to qualified clients, depending on current funding. Contact us for more information about current fee assistance programs.

Great Strides is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Call for more information or schedule an appointment for a free tour of our facilities!

Executive Director: Joy Gill or Clinical Director: Terry Lewis, LCSW-C

Application Process How to apply for services:

Referrals and Fee Information:

Executive Director: Joy Gill or Clinical Director: Terry Lewis, LCSW-C

Application Process

How to apply for services: