Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center
Middletown, Connecticut
Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center is a riding program of Hospital for Special Care, based at Daniels Farm in Middletown, Connecticut. It offers therapeutic riding, unmounted horsemanship, equine-assisted learning and a program for veterans. According to its website, it serves people ages four and older with physical, emotional or cognitive special needs.
- Therapeutic riding
- Unmounted horsemanship lessons
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Veteran program, including Horses for Heroes
- Private, semi-private and group sessions
- Children ages 4 and up with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, emotional or cognitive special needs
- Veterans and armed forces members with a disability
More about this center
About the Program
The center's therapeutic riding sessions may include exercises, horsemanship skills, trail riding and games on horseback, and each semester includes an unmounted session on horse care. The unmounted horsemanship program teaches safe handling, communication and basic care such as grooming, first aid and feeding.
Equine-assisted learning uses ground activities, such as reading nonverbal language and building trust, to work on self-awareness, life skills and confidence. The veteran program offers riding or unmounted activities for veterans and armed forces members with a disability, and its Horses for Heroes service provides therapeutic riding for wounded service members and veterans. The website says its instructors are PATH International certified.
Getting Started
Riders apply by email or mail using an application posted on the website, then attend an evaluation, which the center uses to decide safety, class placement, horse selection and equipment. A 2026 class calendar is posted on its website. Call (860) 685-0008 to ask about cost and openings.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 14 and older can serve as horse leaders or side walkers, or help with events and fundraising. Training is required before working in lessons, and applications go through the center's online volunteer portal.
Location
The center is at Daniels Farm, 874 Millbrook Road, Middletown, CT 06457. Its website lists a heated indoor arena for year-round riding, two outdoor arenas, 13 acres of pasture and a wooded riding trail.
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.
What ages does Manes & Motions serve?
The website says riders must be ages four and older and living with a disability.
How do I enroll?
Submit the New Participant Application, which is posted on the website, by email or mail. You then attend an evaluation that determines safety, class placement, horse and equipment. Questions go to (860) 685-0008.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (860) 685-0008 to ask about current rates; see our guide to equine therapy costs for typical ranges.
Is there a program for veterans?
Yes. The center lists a veteran program with riding or unmounted activities for veterans and armed forces members with a disability, including Horses for Heroes.
Location
Middletown, Connecticut 06457
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.