Bison Strides Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies
Fargo, North Dakota
Bison Strides is North Dakota State University's equine-assisted services program, based at the NDSU Equine Center in Fargo. It offers adapted therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning for youth, a horsemanship program for veterans and service members, and physical and occupational therapy using horses. The program serves children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral or mental health needs.
- Adapted therapeutic horsemanship (ages 4 and up)
- Equine assisted learning (ages 6 to 17)
- Military and veterans horsemanship program
- Hippotherapy with physical and occupational therapists (ages 2 and up)
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children and adults with physical or neurological needs
- People with cognitive, emotional, behavioral or mental health needs
- Youth ages 6 to 17
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- NDSU students
More about this center
About the Program
Bison Strides began in May 2017 and was accredited by PATH Intl. that same year. It was reaccredited as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in 2025, and its website says it is the only Premier Accredited Center in North Dakota. Erika Berg, an associate professor in NDSU's Department of Animal Sciences, is the program director. Alongside its community lessons, the program supports NDSU's undergraduate minor in equine assisted services, serves as a practicum site for NDSU's master's in counseling program, and offers students research opportunities on horse-human interactions.
Adapted therapeutic horsemanship teaches riding and horsemanship skills to riders age 4 through adulthood. Riders must be able to sit on their own on a moving horse for 45 minutes, weigh under 170 pounds and have no contraindications for riding. The equine assisted learning program works with youth ages 6 to 17 on self-awareness, problem solving, respect, empathy and communication.
Veterans and Hippotherapy
The military and veterans horsemanship program is mostly ground-based and focuses on building a relationship with the horse through trust and clear expectations. The program says there is no fee for service members, because it is fully funded by donors and grants. See also equine therapy for veterans.
Hippotherapy is provided by licensed physical and occupational therapists from Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services, in partnership with Bison Strides, for clients age 2 and up with no contraindications for mounted equine movement. The therapists purposely manipulate the horse's movement to engage the client's sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems.
The Horses and Volunteering
The Horses page lists 10 program horses: four Quarter Horses, a Hanoverian, a Norwegian Fjord and four miniature horses. Some are owned by Bison Strides and others by local families and supporters.
Volunteers must be at least 16 and complete a two-hour training. Arena volunteers commit to one hour a week for a six-week session, and sidewalkers do not need horse experience. Horse handlers need horse experience and extra training. To volunteer, email ndsu.bisonstrides@ndsu.edu with the subject "Interested in Volunteering!"
Location
Bison Strides meets at the NDSU Equine Center, 5140 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58105. The mailing address is PO Box 6050, Dept. 7630, Fargo, ND 58108.
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 lessons?
Registration forms for each session are posted on the Programs page of the Bison Strides website. You can also email ndsu.bisonstrides@ndsu.edu or call (701) 231-9611.
How do I get hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy is scheduled through Beyond Boundaries Therapy Services. Contact Katie Havelka at Katie@beyondboundaries.us or 701-356-0062.
How much does it cost?
The veterans program is free for service members. For other programs, call (701) 231-9611 or email the program about current rates. Financial assistance is available, and families who need help with the cost can apply using the form on the Programs page.
Location
Fargo, North Dakota 58105
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.