Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Santa Fe, New Mexico, founded in 2010 by three military veterans. It offers equine-assisted activities, including groundwork and therapeutic riding, for active military, veterans, their families, and children and adults living with a range of challenges. According to its website, the program runs entirely on volunteers, donations and fundraisers, and classes are free for participants.
- Therapeutic riding
- Groundwork and grooming
- Building Trust class
- Managing Recovery class (PTSD focus)
- Strength in Motion class (core strength, balance, gait)
- Individually adjusted classes
- Weekly classes in 8-week sessions
- Active military and veterans
- Military families
- Children and adults
- People with PTSD
- People with autism or Down syndrome
- People with brain or spinal cord injuries
- People affected by Alzheimer's, grief or cancer
- People in substance use recovery
More about this center
About the Program
The website lists several classes. Building Trust uses grooming and groundwork to build communication between horse and rider. Managing Recovery helps participants manage emotions, with a focus on PTSD. Strength in Motion is outdoor exercise aimed at core strength, balance and gait. Classes are adjusted to each participant, and no prior horse experience is needed.
Classes meet weekly. The first session lasts 8 weeks, with the option of a second session. ShareNM lists the service area as northern and central New Mexico. For more on veteran programs, see our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
President Gus Jolley is a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor (certified in 2002) and is also certified in CPR and first aid. Vice President David Mead has about two years of experience as a therapeutic riding instructor, and Laurie Seton serves as communications director and instructor. ShareNM lists the organization as a PATH Intl. member center.
The herd includes Shalomar, a former search-and-rescue and mounted police horse; Tucker, who also does search and rescue with the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Posse; Magic, Squeaky, Jester, Brush and Promise, who has been with the program since 2010.
Volunteering
The website says many volunteers are veterans and that no horse experience is needed to get involved. Sidewalkers are trained and need no experience with horses, experienced riders can train alongside a Listening Horse instructor to become instructors, and help is also needed with administration, events and fundraising. Contact Laurie Seton at laurie@listeninghorse.org or (505) 670-3577.
The website also lists volunteer roles such as ushers and ticket takers at the Rodeo de Santa Fe, and lists the Exceptional Kids Rodeo among its events.
Location
Listening Horse Therapeutic Riding is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and lists its mailing address as P.O. Box 8960, Santa Fe, NM 87504. Call (505) 469-4022 for the riding location and class times.
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 classes?
Call (505) 469-4022 or email Gus Jolley at gus@listeninghorse.org. New sessions run 8 weeks.
How much do classes cost?
According to its website, classes are offered at no cost to participants. The program is funded by donations and fundraisers.
Do I need riding experience?
No. The website says new riders are welcome and no prior horse experience is required.
Who can take part?
Active military, veterans and their families, plus children and adults facing challenges such as PTSD, autism, brain injury, grief or physical injuries.
Location
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.