Horse & Buddy

About the Program

Therapeutic riding lessons are taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors and are offered seven days a week, in group or private formats. The center says riders with a variety of needs and abilities often show progress in physical, emotional and social skills.

Silver Saddles is a mostly non-riding program for older adults, with private and group sessions built around hands-on time with the horses and social connection.

The Mental Health and Learning program pairs a licensed mental health professional with a PATH Intl. certified equine specialist. It includes Equine Partnered Play Therapy with miniature horses for children ages 4 to 10, equine-assisted psychotherapy for ages 10 through adult, and ground-based equine-assisted learning that needs no horse experience.

The Horses and Staff

Janet Mason is the executive director. Laura Luster, Director of Therapeutic Horsemanship and Horse Management, is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and PATH mentor. Kate Lague, Director of Mental Health and Learning, lists CTRI and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning credentials. Rosa Scarborough, Director of Communications and Silver Saddles, is a PATH Intl. CTRI. The staff page lists several more PATH Intl. certified riding instructors.

The Meet Our Horses page lists 10 horses, including three miniature horses and a mix of Quarter Horses, warmbloods, a Thoroughbred, a Welsh and a Paint pony. Supporters can sponsor a horse's monthly care.

Getting Started

To begin riding, call the barn or email Laura, then complete the rider paperwork, which includes a form signed by a physician. When a spot opens, families visit the barn to meet the instructor, and the rider completes three evaluation rides before signing up for a regular weekly slot.

Scholarship funding may be available for riders who qualify, and payments can be made online.

Location

Horse & Buddy is at 4728 Old US Hwy 1, New Hill, NC 27562, on 35 acres the organization owns. The facility has a 10-stall barn and a 100 x 100 foot covered arena. Mail goes to PO Box 675, Apex, NC 27502. Visitors are welcome and can call 919-367-7740 to schedule a tour.