Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship
Newport, New Hampshire
Full Circle Farm Therapeutic Horsemanship (FCFTH) is a nonprofit therapeutic riding program on a 160-acre farm in Newport, New Hampshire. It offers year-round mounted and unmounted activities with horses, and says it serves children, teens, adults and veterans.
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted learning (unmounted)
- Veterans program with the White River VA
- Vocational training in horse care
- School and group field trips
- Group and private lessons
- Children and teens
- Adults
- Veterans
- People with autism, CP, MS, Down syndrome and other disabilities
- Youth over 14 and adults (vocational training)
- Schools and community groups
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the program's mission is to bring the benefits of equine-assisted activities to people with special needs. Therapeutic riding can help riders build flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Equine-assisted learning is unmounted and focuses on life skills such as trust, respect, communication and self-confidence. Groundwork and horsemanship lessons are offered for riders over the 180-pound weight limit.
The veterans program works with the White River VA as part of its residential recovery program, with weekly unmounted horsemanship sessions. Some veterans move on to riding in the ring and on trails, or to volunteering, and the website says veterans outside a VA program are welcome too. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans. A vocational training program teaches horse care, safety, tack care, basic first aid and daily farm chores to people over 14 and adults. The program also hosts field trips for local schools and other groups.
The Horses and Staff
Co-founder Deb Cossingham is executive director. Program Director Aileen Reney, CTRI, and instructor Kerrin Larson, CTRI, are listed as PATH International Registered Instructors. Lorna Young, CTRI, is listed as a PATH International Advanced Instructor and a certified PATH International Equine Specialist. The website lists nine horses, including Quarter Horses, a Haflinger, a Gypsy Vanner and Paint crosses, and says each horse is selected for each rider based on lesson goals. The program also partners with Road to Independence, which brings donkeys for groundwork and driving lessons.
History
The program was founded in 2014. It says it became a PATH Intl. accredited riding center in 2017, and PATH Intl.'s online center directory lists it as a Premier Accredited Center. It became a nonprofit in January 2018.
Location
The program is at 80 Edgell Road, Newport, NH 03773, on Full Circle Farm, a private horse farm that hosts it.
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 enroll?
New riders meet with an instructor for an initial assessment and complete the program's forms before starting. The program keeps a waitlist for lessons, so call 603-863-2952 or email info@fcftherapeutic.org to get on it.
What do lessons cost?
The website lists a 1-hour group lesson at $50 and a half-hour private lesson at $50, with payment due at the time of the lesson. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes. The website lists a weight limit of 180 pounds for riders. Those over the limit can take groundwork and horsemanship lessons instead.
Location
Newport, New Hampshire 03773
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.