Green Chimneys Farm
Brewster, New York
Green Chimneys is a nonprofit therapeutic special education school in Brewster, New York, with day and residential programs and a working farm. Its equine program is not open to the public: it is only for students enrolled in the Green Chimneys School, who are admitted through a referral from their school district or an agency. The program currently offers ground-based sessions; riding is not offered.
- Equine-facilitated learning (unmounted)
- Equine-assisted learning (unmounted)
- Groundwork, horse care and handling
- Animal-assisted programs at the Farm & Wildlife Center
- Day and residential special education
- Enrolled Green Chimneys School students only
- Youth ages 6 to 16 at admission
- Students with social, emotional and behavioral challenges
- Students with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders or PTSD
- Students referred by New York and Connecticut school districts or agencies
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the equine program gives Green Chimneys School students hands-on, ground-based time with horses. Lessons cover horse care, safe handling, groundwork and reading equine body language, and students help staff with training exercises such as lunging and activities at liberty.
The program used to include mostly mounted activities and has moved to groundwork only. In an article on the school's website, the equine program teacher cites students' varied needs, the horses' welfare and smoother operations, and says participation in equine activities has grown across the campus.
Getting Started
Families cannot book horse sessions directly. A student must first be enrolled in the school, and a referral from the home school district is required before applying. Families can begin with the admissions inquiry form on the Green Chimneys website. Tours are offered once a student has been referred and the program is found to be a fit.
The Horses and Staff
Green Chimneys says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Equine staff hold PATH Intl. certifications, including Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Equine-Assisted Learning and Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.
The school lists about 20 equines, from 34-inch miniature horses to a 19-hand Clydesdale, among the roughly 300 animals at its Farm & Wildlife Center.
History
Samuel B. Ross Jr. founded Green Chimneys in 1947 on a 75-acre farm in Putnam County, and the school opened in 1948. Today the school serves more than 200 students and added a second campus in Carmel in 2008.
Location
The Brewster campus is at 400 Doansburg Road, Brewster, NY 10509. The Farm & Wildlife Center there is open to the public free of charge on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm; visitors park in the Otter Lot and are asked not to pet or feed the animals. Public visits do not include equine sessions.
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.
Is the equine program open to the public?
No. Horse sessions are only for students enrolled in the Green Chimneys School, and families cannot sign up for them directly.
How does enrollment work?
Students are admitted through a referral from their school district or an agency, and the school says the district referral is required before applying. Families can start with the admissions inquiry form on the website, and admissions are rolling year-round.
Who is eligible, and who pays?
The school accepts youth ages 6 to 16 at admission with social, emotional and behavioral challenges, from school districts in New York and Connecticut. The home school district covers the cost of day and residential placements.
Does the program include riding?
No. The program currently offers ground-based sessions focused on groundwork, horse care and handling; riding is not offered. For admissions questions, call the Brewster campus at (845) 279-2995.
Location
Brewster, New York 10509
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.