The Equine Journey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Landrum, South Carolina, near the Tryon International Equestrian Center. Founded in 2014, the organization provides rescued and retired horses with safe, permanent homes while creating affordable and accessible equine opportunities for youth, families, and individuals who might not otherwise experience the benefits of horses.
Through a combination of riding instruction, equine-assisted therapy, groundwork, horsemanship education, and barn-based experiences, The Equine Journey helps participants build confidence, responsibility, emotional awareness, and meaningful relationships with horses. The organization believes that learning both on and off the horse provides lifelong skills that extend far beyond the arena.
About This Program
The Equine Journey offers riding lessons for children, teens, and adults ranging from complete beginners to experienced riders. Lessons are available in private and small-group formats, allowing instructors to tailor instruction to each rider’s experience level, goals, and learning style. Beyond riding skills, participants learn grooming, groundwork, horse communication, safety, and horsemanship, developing confidence and trust through positive interactions with horses.
The organization also provides equine-assisted therapy experiences and guided interactions with specially selected therapy horses and miniature horses. Programs emphasize emotional growth, relationship building, leadership, mindfulness, and personal development while offering a safe, supportive environment where participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted therapy experiences
- Private riding lessons
- Small-group riding lessons
- Beginner through advanced riding instruction
- Groundwork and horsemanship education
- Horse grooming and care instruction
- Barn life experiences
- Equine-assisted learning activities
- Youth equestrian programs
- Adult riding programs
- Volunteer opportunities
- Horse rescue and rehabilitation support
Who They Serve
The Equine Journey may be good for:
- Children and youth
- Teen riders
- Adult riders
- Beginner equestrians
- Experienced riders seeking horsemanship development
- Individuals seeking therapeutic equine experiences
- Families seeking affordable equestrian opportunities
- Individuals interested in groundwork and horse communication
- Community members interested in volunteering
Facility and Setting
The Equine Journey operates from 1011 Highway 11, Landrum, South Carolina, in the heart of the region’s equestrian community. The nonprofit maintains a herd of rescued horses, therapy horses, ponies, and miniature donkeys, each selected for specific programs based on temperament and abilities. Participants enjoy a peaceful farm environment where they can learn riding skills, develop horsemanship, and experience the emotional benefits of spending time with horses.
The facility is staffed by experienced equine professionals and educators who emphasize safety, relationship-building, and individualized instruction. Programs are designed to meet participants where they are, creating opportunities for growth, confidence, and connection through both mounted and ground-based activities.
What Makes Them Unique
The Equine Journey is unique in combining horse rescue with affordable equine-assisted programming. Horses that have been retired or rescued are given meaningful new roles while providing therapeutic and educational opportunities for individuals who may otherwise be unable to participate in equestrian activities.
Another distinguishing feature is the organization’s holistic philosophy, which emphasizes that horsemanship extends beyond riding. Participants learn communication, leadership, responsibility, emotional awareness, and trust through every interaction with the horses, creating lasting personal growth both inside and outside the barn.