Horses Help
Cave Creek, Arizona
Horses Help is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic riding center in Cave Creek, Arizona, founded in 1987. It offers adaptive riding and horsemanship along with Equine Assisted Learning for children and adults with physical, cognitive and behavioral challenges, at-risk youth and members of the military community.
- Adaptive riding and horsemanship
- Private, semi-private and group riding lessons
- Equine Assisted Learning private classes
- Family H.E.R.D. group sessions
- Summer programs
- Mini horse outreach visits
- Children from age 4
- Adults
- People with physical, cognitive or behavioral challenges
- At-risk youth
- Military community members
- Families and small groups
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons at Horses Help are taught by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and are open to riders as young as four. Lessons are private, semi-private or group, and instructors set individual goals with each rider and their parents, guardians or caregivers. Lessons challenge riders physically, cognitively and socially and build independent skills that can carry over to everyday life. Read more about therapeutic riding.
Equine Assisted Learning is ground-based work with horses that builds social and life skills such as confidence, problem-solving and emotional regulation. Private classes pair a participant with a PATH Intl. certified Equine Specialist for a six-week series of one-hour sessions, which can be repeated, and goals can line up with outside counseling goals, IEPs or 504 plans. Family H.E.R.D. is a single one- to two-hour session for groups of up to eight, such as families or team-building groups, with children age 7 and older. No horse experience is needed.
The Horses and Staff
The herd includes Quarter Horses, Gypsy Vanners, Morgans, Arabians, an Appaloosa, a Tennessee Walking Horse and a Friesian. A mini herd of miniature horses, Sicilian donkeys and a hinny also works with children and adults and makes one-hour community outreach visits through the Helping Hands Mini Messengers program, at $350 for corporate groups and $250 for nonprofits. A goat and a desert tortoise round out the animal team.
Megan Jefferies is the executive director. The instruction team includes PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning.
History
Cindy Ramsey founded Horses Help in 1987 and led it until 2002. The organization bought its permanent property in 1999 and earned PATH Intl. certification in 2000. It has held its annual Barn Bash fundraiser since 2004, and three of its horses competed at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 16. Roles include side walkers and coaches, horse handlers, horse leaders, barn work, events and office support, and most ask for two to four hours a week over six weeks. New volunteers start with an orientation and can sign up by emailing volunteer@horseshelp.org.
Location
Horses Help is at 6525 E. Dixileta Dr., Cave Creek, AZ 85331. Reach the center at (602) 569-6056 or info@horseshelp.org.
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 in a program at Horses Help?
Families start by completing the Program Inquiry Form on the Horses Help website. You can also call (602) 569-6056 or email info@horseshelp.org.
What ages can take part?
Adaptive riding is open to children from age 4 and to adults. Family H.E.R.D. sessions require children to be 7 or older.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (602) 569-6056 or email info@horseshelp.org to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Is Equine Assisted Learning the same as therapy?
No. Horses Help says its EAL facilitators are not licensed mental health professionals and EAL is not considered therapy, though private classes can support outside counseling goals.
Location
Cave Creek, Arizona 85331
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.