Equestrian Zone – Riding for a Reason
Dardanelle, Arkansas
Equestrian Zone is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit near Dardanelle, Arkansas, about eight miles from Russellville. It offers equine-assisted services for people with special needs or disabilities, with the goal of building functional independence, self-confidence and daily living skills. It is a PATH Intl. Center Member.
- Adaptive and therapeutic riding
- Therapy with licensed PT, OT and speech-language professionals
- Equine-assisted counseling and psychotherapy
- Driving and interactive vaulting
- Robotic horse simulator (MiraColt)
- Equine-assisted learning labs and tutoring
- State-approved testing in a calmer setting
- 2 Hearts 2 One program for veterans and first responders
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities
- Students needing reading and math support
- Veterans and military members
- First responders
- Families of veterans and first responders
More about this center
About the Program
Therapy sessions use the horse's movement and are delivered by licensed professionals in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, counseling, psychotherapy and recreational therapy. This includes hippotherapy, which combines physical, occupational and speech therapy with a licensed clinician. Horsemanship options include adaptive equestrian sport, therapeutic riding, driving and interactive vaulting.
The center also has a MiraColt robotic horse simulator, made by Chariot Innovations, that simulates a horse's movement.
Learning and Testing
Learning Labs cover reading, math and science with horses as part of the lesson. A certified educator leads them, groups are capped at five students, and labs run monthly, four hours a day, four days a week. Each lab is $300.
Individual instruction in Horse-Powered Reading and Math is tailored to each student and costs $100 an hour, one hour a week. State-approved testing is $50 an hour and is held in a least restrictive environment meant to reduce test anxiety, and accommodations may be provided.
2 Hearts 2 One
This program serves veterans, military members, first responders and their families. It combines mounted and unmounted equine-assisted learning in group or private sessions, and family members can take part. Instructors are PATH Intl. certified, and Licensed Professional Counselors provide psychotherapy focused on PTSD and suicide prevention. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Volunteers
The herd of ten includes Quarter Horses, Paint Horses, a Missouri Fox Trotter and two miniature horses, most of them donated.
Volunteers help with the horses and adaptive activities. Everyone who works directly with riders passes a background check.
Location
Equestrian Zone is at 19769 Hwy 154 West, Dardanelle, AR 72834, at the Branded by Christ Cowboy Church stables, about eight miles from Russellville. The center moved there from Russellville in 2022. Mail goes to PO Box 103, Centerville, AR 72829.
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 sign up?
Call (479) 970-9379 or email ezrussellville@gmail.com to ask about openings and next steps.
How much do sessions cost?
Learning Labs are $300, private tutoring is $100 an hour, and testing is $50 an hour. For riding and therapy rates, call (479) 970-9379.
Is there a program for veterans?
Yes. 2 Hearts 2 One serves veterans, military members, first responders and their families, with PATH Intl. certified instructors and Licensed Professional Counselors.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with horses and adaptive activities, and anyone working directly with riders must pass a background check.
Location
Dardanelle, Arkansas 72834
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.