LifeStriders
Waukesha, Wisconsin
LifeStriders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Waukesha, Wisconsin, that offers nature-based therapies on a horse farm, on horseback and online. Its programs include therapeutic riding, occupational and physical therapy that uses the horse's movement, and counseling for children and adults with physical, emotional and cognitive special needs. It also runs programs for veterans and their families and for young people.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Occupational and physical therapy using equine movement
- Individual, family and couples counseling
- Trauma and grief counseling
- Life coaching
- Veterans program with weekly group rides
- Youth program (Unbridled Leaders)
- Online caregiver group
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- Veterans and their families
- Youth ages 12 to 21
- Families and caregivers
More about this center
About the Program
LifeStriders says its therapeutic riding lessons draw on elements of cognitive behavioral, physical, occupational and speech therapy and focus on each client's strengths and needs. In its occupational and physical therapy sessions, an occupational or physical therapist combines the horse's walk with other therapy strategies. The center lists autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, genetic syndromes, traumatic brain injury and stroke, and sensory integration disorders among the conditions it works with.
Counseling is offered in person in a nature-based setting, which may include walking the trails and caring for the horses, and by video for individuals and families. Veterans and their families can use counseling, occupational or physical therapy, equine therapy and weekly veterans group rides free of charge.
The Horses and Staff
The center sits on a 23-acre horse ranch with a barn, paddocks, pasture, an arena and trails. The herd includes Norwegian Fjords, a Percheron, an Icelandic, a Friesian sport horse, Paints, a Tennessee Walker, ponies and a Mustang adopted through the Bureau of Land Management's wild horse program.
Veronica Sosa Agnoli, MS, LPC, a co-founder, is the chief executive officer and a licensed professional counselor. Melissa Marshall, MA-LPC, COTA/L, is a licensed professional counselor and a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor who has worked at LifeStriders since 2014.
Getting Started
To join therapeutic riding, call 262-565-6124 and ask for the therapeutic riding program manager, then complete the rider application and the physician's report and release. Occupational and physical therapy clients fill out a separate therapy application. For counseling, complete the intake form and call 262-309-9297.
LifeStriders says it charges a very minimal fee and relies mainly on donations and scholarship funding. Volunteers do not need to be horse experts and receive training; the volunteer hotline is 262-563-2066.
Location
LifeStriders is at S11W29667 Summit Ave, Waukesha, WI 53188, on a 23-acre horse ranch. Its youth program serves Milwaukee and Waukesha counties.
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 sign up for therapeutic riding?
Call 262-565-6124 and ask for the therapeutic riding program manager, or email striders@lifestriders.org. You will complete a rider application and a physician's report and release.
How much do sessions cost?
LifeStriders says it charges a minimal fee and is funded mainly by donations and scholarships. Call 262-565-6124 for current rates.
Are there programs for veterans?
Yes. All LifeStriders programs, including counseling, therapy, equine therapy and weekly group rides, are open to veterans and their families completely free of charge.
Is counseling available online?
Yes. LifeStriders offers video counseling for individuals and families. Complete the intake form, then call 262-309-9297 to request an appointment.
Location
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188
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.