One Heart Equestrian Therapy, Inc.
Ames, Iowa
One Heart Equestrian Therapy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit near Ames, Iowa, that offers horse-based programs for children and adults with disabilities. Its website lists riding classes, driving classes and Mini Power classes, held at its indoor arena just north of Ames. The program says it welcomes people with physical, cognitive, mental or emotional limitations, beginning at age two.
- Therapeutic riding classes
- Carriage driving classes
- Mini Power classes
- Driving horsemanship skills (grooming, harnessing, hitching)
- Individual goals set with each client
- Children and adults with disabilities, from age two
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive or learning disabilities
- People with emotional or mental health needs
- People who cannot ride mounted, through driving classes
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, a therapist and a certified therapeutic riding instructor evaluate each client and set goals. Classes include a warm-up, mounting, and riding or driving. The site says clients have typically met once a week in six-week sessions, as offered. All clients need their doctor's permission to ride.
The website says driving classes are taught by a PATH Intl. certified instructor and cover grooming, harnessing, hitching and handling the reins. It describes driving as an option for clients who fear heights, exceed mounted weight limits or are not cleared to ride. The site describes One Heart as a PATH Intl. member center. Parts of the website have not been updated in several years, so call to confirm current classes.
History
One Heart's website says founder Kris Lager, a parent of a child with special needs, started the program, and that its first rider mounted at the Story County Fairgrounds in spring 2002. The program later used leased space in Ames and near Roland. In 2018 it bought a 10-acre property with a large indoor arena north of Ames. Its most recent IRS Form 990 on file covers the fiscal year ending February 2025.
Location
Classes take place at One Heart's arena at 2710 W. 190th St, Ames, IA 50010, just north of Ames. The website says public areas meet ADA requirements. The mailing address is 67826 Lincoln Hwy, Colo, IA 50056.
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 at One Heart?
The website asks prospective clients to email oneheart@netins.net to ask about classes. You can also call 515-460-5488.
Are there age or medical requirements?
One Heart says it welcomes people with disabilities beginning at age two. All clients must have permission from their doctor to ride, and driving clients need head and neck stability.
How much do classes cost?
The website notes that sponsors help many clients take part. Call 515-460-5488 to ask. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Ames, Iowa 50010
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.