Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Swisher, Iowa
Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a 77-acre property near Swisher, Iowa, and says it has served its community since 1988. It offers adaptive riding classes, hippotherapy, non-riding sessions and grant-funded horsemanship programs for U.S. veterans.
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding classes
- Hippotherapy with partner therapists (ChildServe, UI CDD)
- Military Veterans Equine Care Squad (MVECS)
- Adaptive Horsemanship class for veterans
- Connect with Horses (non-riding sessions)
- Class scholarships
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with physical, cognitive and social challenges
- U.S. veterans
- People with dementia, autism or chronic illness
- People experiencing stress or anxiety
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Miracles in Motion is Iowa's first Premier Accredited Center under PATH Intl. Adaptive riding classes typically have 2 to 4 students, 6 to 15 volunteers and one PATH-certified instructor, and run 45 minutes on Monday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The rider weight limit is 185 lbs.
Hippotherapy is provided by physical, occupational and speech therapists from partners ChildServe and the University of Iowa Center for Disabilities & Development. Connect with Horses offers small-group sessions for people unable or uninterested in riding, led by Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning.
Veterans and Volunteering
MVECS is a grant-funded, 6-week program for U.S. veterans, with 2-hour classes limited to 3 veterans. Participants learn horse behavior, grooming, groundwork and tacking, and riding lessons may be included. A separate 4-week Adaptive Horsemanship class for veterans covers horse care and handling. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The website says more than 150 volunteers help each year. Volunteers must be at least 16 for horse-related roles and must apply and complete a training session.
Location
Miracles in Motion is at 2049 120th St. NW, Swisher, IA 52338. A 2025 local news article reports riders come from Linn County, Johnson County and surrounding eastern Iowa counties. It follows its class schedule April through October and is open by appointment November through March.
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 adaptive riding?
Complete the online application, then return the medical history and physician statement by email, fax or mail at least one month before classes start. Placement is first-come, first-served as space opens.
How much do classes cost?
Call (319) 857-4141 to ask about current rates; scholarship requests are due two weeks before classes start.
How do I get hippotherapy here?
Families apply through ChildServe or the UI Center for Disabilities & Development, which schedule and bill the sessions.
How do I contact the center?
Call (319) 857-4141 or email miraclesinmotion@gmail.com. Class questions can go to classesmiraclesinmotion@gmail.com.
Location
Swisher, Iowa 52338
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.