CHAPS Equine Assisted Services
Sheridan, Wyoming
CHAPS Equine Assisted Services is a nonprofit equine center in Sheridan, Wyoming, founded in 2003 as an adaptive riding program for children and adults with special needs. It now offers adaptive riding, adaptive carriage driving, equine-facilitated psychotherapy groups and equine-assisted learning for participants aged four and up, with a large share of its work serving veterans.
- Adaptive riding
- Adaptive carriage driving
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy groups (non-mounted)
- Equine-assisted learning
- Operation Mustang 2.0 (groundwork with BLM mustangs)
- Pony Pals and Patriot Ponies outreach visits
- Veteran retreat in the Bighorn Mountains
- Driving clinic
- Children and adults with disabilities or diagnosed conditions (age 4+)
- Veterans
- Foster youth and caregivers
- Women and survivors of domestic violence
- Seniors
- Riders who cannot ride astride or exceed riding weight limits (through driving)
More about this center
About the Program
CHAPS says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and is also accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association, which it describes as making it the only dual-accredited equine center in Wyoming. Adaptive riding is a riding lesson with therapeutic goals such as balance, coordination, confidence and communication. Adaptive carriage driving is offered for people who cannot ride, are afraid to ride or exceed the horses' weight limits.
Its non-mounted psychotherapy groups are led by an equine specialist and a mental health professional. They include Haltering Hope for foster youth, caregivers and women, Hope & Healing for survivors of domestic violence, and Horses 4 Forces for veterans. Operation Mustang 2.0 pairs participants with a BLM mustang under the oversight of a mental health professional.
Veterans and Outreach
CHAPS works with the Sheridan VA Medical Center, the Veterans' Home of Wyoming and Volunteers of America. Patriot Ponies brings ponies to the Veterans' Home and a skilled nursing facility, and Pony Pals visits a school, a child development center and senior sites around Sheridan during the winter session. An annual veteran retreat in the Bighorn Mountains covers lodging, meals and activities at no cost, with veterans arranging their own transportation. See also equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
Executive Director Kristen Marcus is a PATH Intl. ESMHL and a Certified Driving Instructor. The team includes PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, a barn manager and several licensed counselors and social workers. The herd page lists Belgian and Percheron draft horses, Quarter Horses, a Haflinger, Shetland ponies and several BLM mustangs.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 16 or older and can help with horse care, facility work, sessions and office tasks. Contact volunteercoordinator@chapswyo.org.
Location
CHAPS is at 501 U.S. Highway 14 East, Sheridan, WY 82801. Its mailing address is PMB 201, 1590 Sugarland Dr, Ste B, Sheridan, WY 82801. Some programs, such as Pony Pals and Patriot Ponies, take place at partner sites around Sheridan.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I apply for a program?
CHAPS takes applications through an online form on its programs page, with due dates for each session. Riders and drivers also submit a medical release, and psychotherapy participants complete a mental health form.
Who is eligible?
CHAPS accepts participants aged four and up who are medically able to take part and have a diagnosed condition that will benefit from its services.
How much does it cost?
Call (307) 673-6161 or email info@chapswyo.org to ask about current rates. A financial aid form is available, and the center says participation is limited only by physician recommendations and scholarship availability.
Location
Sheridan, Wyoming 82801
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.