The Equine Journey
Landrum, South Carolina
The Equine Journey is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse program based in Landrum, South Carolina. It lists equine-assisted therapy, groundwork, barn life and riding instruction among its programs. Its stated mission is to give local youth and their families access to horses and barn life while giving horses a permanent home, and its lessons are also open to adults.
- Equine-assisted therapy sessions
- Groundwork
- Barn life and horsemanship
- Private riding lessons
- Small group riding lessons
- Camp
- School and after-school outreach
- Young children (Littles)
- Teens
- Adults, including first-time and returning riders
- Families
- Public, home and community schools
- Foster and grandparent families
More about this center
About the Program
The Equine Journey began in 2014 as a nonprofit giving off-the-track Thoroughbreds a soft landing after racing, and later opened to other breeds. In 2018 the team decided the horses needed jobs, and the current program took shape around pairing those horses with people.
The center says its approach is to meet each person where they are, offering guided time with ponies and horses in a setting where participants can be quiet, explore their feelings, set goals and build relationships. Its herd includes horses, ponies and miniature donkeys, and the Horses page groups some of them as therapeutic horses and therapeutic minis. Families looking at options may find our guide on how to choose a center useful.
Lessons and Outreach
Riding lessons are offered privately or in small groups for Littles, Teens and Adults, from beginners to experienced riders. Lessons cover reading horse body language, grooming, groundwork, balance and riding skills, with goals ranging from trail riding and competing to quieter time in the barn.
The Schools and Outreach program works with public, home and community schools, as well as parents, grandparents and foster parents, offering after-school and summer activities. Scholarship students take part in the program.
The Horses and Staff
Kim Cochran is the director and is U.S. Center for SafeSport certified. The staff page also lists Ernesto Alonso as barn manager, head groom and exercise rider, and Brooklynn Lewis as riding instructor and counselor, along with junior and youth equine assistants.
Location
The center's website gives its barn location as 1011 Hwy 11, Landrum, SC 29356, an area it describes as near Tryon International Equestrian Center. The organization's office is at 30 New Market Rd, Tryon, NC 28782. Email the center to confirm where sessions take place before visiting. Its nonprofit profile lists a service area of Buncombe, Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties in North Carolina and Spartanburg County in South Carolina.
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 visit or sign up?
The center asks people to schedule a visit by emailing theequinejourney21@gmail.com, which is also the best way to confirm where lessons and sessions are held.
What ages does The Equine Journey work with?
Lessons are offered for young children (Littles), teens and adults, including complete beginners and adults returning to riding.
How much do lessons or therapy sessions cost?
Email theequinejourney21@gmail.com to ask about current rates. The center has scholarship students, and families can ask about help with the cost. See our guide to equine therapy costs for typical ranges.
Is The Equine Journey a nonprofit?
Yes. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit registered as Equine Journey Inc.
Location
Landrum, South Carolina 29356
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.