Healing Strides of Virginia
Boones Mill, Virginia
Healing Strides of Virginia (HSVA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Boones Mill, Virginia, founded in 1991 and operating year-round. It offers therapeutic riding, riding lessons, equine-assisted mental health and learning programs, and a veterans program. The center says it is the only PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in the Roanoke Valley.
- Therapeutic horsemanship (therapeutic riding)
- Recreational and advanced riding lessons
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Equine-assisted learning and coaching
- Family therapy for youth ages 6-18
- Recreational therapy with a CTRS
- Veterans program
- Riding Club and Athletic Equestrian League team
- Riders with disabilities and medical diagnoses
- Children and teens ages 6-17
- Parents and families
- Veterans of any age and their families
- People living with trauma, PTSD or depression
More about this center
About the Program
HSVA says its therapeutic horsemanship program serves riders with more than 60 diagnoses, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome and limb loss. Lessons run from therapeutic horsemanship to advanced riding, and all programs are open to riders of all abilities.
The mental health side pairs a licensed mental health professional with an equine specialist for equine-assisted psychotherapy, using the ARCH model. Programs include Finding Your Stride, an 8-week program for ages 6-17; Parenting from the Barn, an 8-week ground-based parenting course; family therapy using Brief Strategic Family Therapy for ages 6-18; and recreational therapy led by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. The center says its mental health services accept select commercial insurance plans.
The Veterans Program is open to veterans of any age from all branches, and to their families. It includes riding, Horsemanship 101 (ground-based horse handling), a drill team, and mental health support for PTSD, trauma, family issues and the move to civilian life.
The Horses and Staff
Carol Young is the CEO. Instructors are PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors, advanced riding instructors, USHJA certified trainers or instructors in training. Daniel Brooks, LCSW, is clinical director of the mental health, education and coaching program, and the clinical team includes licensed clinical social workers, a licensed professional counselor and equine specialists.
The 28-acre farm borders Maggodee Creek and has two large pastures, five paddocks, the enclosed Harry and Lavon Webb Arena with a covered viewing area, and an outdoor arena used mainly for jumping. Therapy offices are in the Hannah's House of Hope building, which connects to the Webb Arena and has large viewing windows.
Getting Started
For mental health, learning or coaching services, call the front office to book an intake appointment.
Riding Club membership is listed at $80 per year, with club Saturdays at $75 each. For other lesson and program rates, call (540) 334-5825. Scholarships are available through the Ken and Kathy Sain Giroux Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports riders, and the Sydney and Lolly Fund, which helps children continue equine-assisted services when their coverage lapses.
Location
The center is at 672 Naff Road, Boones Mill, VA 24065, just north of Boones Mill and about 10 minutes south of the Tanglewood Mall area of Roanoke.
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 a rider at Healing Strides of Virginia?
Submit the Participant Application on the center's website, complete the follow-up forms it emails you, and staff will call to schedule an evaluation ride.
Does Healing Strides accept insurance?
Its mental health services accept select commercial insurance plans. Call (540) 334-5825 to check your plan.
How do I contact the center?
Call (540) 334-5825 or email information@healingstridesofva.org. For mental health services, email mentalhealth@healingstridesofva.org.
Location
Boones Mill, Virginia 24065
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.