One Step Closer Therapeutic Horsemanship
Morgan Hill, California
One Step Closer Therapeutic Horsemanship (also known as One Step Closer Therapeutic Riding) is a faith-based nonprofit in Morgan Hill, California. It lists adaptive horseback riding for children and adults with disabilities, a school readiness program for young children, and an equine-assisted program for U.S. military veterans.
- Adaptive riding lessons (private or groups of 2-3)
- School readiness riding program (ages 4-8)
- Veterans program with VA Palo Alto Health Care System
- G.R.I.T. women's group (ground-based equine-assisted learning)
- Gold Star family events
- Volunteer training
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADD/ADHD
- Developmental delays and traumatic brain injury
- U.S. military veterans
- Adult women
- Gold Star families
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, adaptive riding lessons are one hour, usually once a week, and are taught by a PATH Intl. certified instructor. Lessons run Monday through Saturday year-round in four 10-week seasonal sessions, closing for major holidays and extreme weather. The site describes the program as Premier Accredited, and a 2019 ABC7 report described it as a PATH Intl. Premier riding location.
The veterans program runs under a formal agreement with the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, signed in 2013, and the site says it serves about 10 to 15 veterans a week. Veterans who want to take part should start by contacting their VA representative. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Getting Started
The enrollment page asks families to download the Client/Parent Handbook, get a physician's statement, complete the forms and email the office to book an assessment with the Program Director. The assessment is $80 as listed. Forms must be renewed each January. Call (408) 778-3567 to ask about current rates.
The Horses and Staff
The organization lists Landa Keirstead as Founder and Program Director, a PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor who is also certified by PATH as a Mentor Instructor, and Mark Keirstead as Co-Founder and President. ABC7 reported in 2019 that the riding program began in 2006 with one rider and one horse. Volunteers complete training and a one-hour orientation before helping in lessons.
Location
One Step Closer is at 15770 Foothill Ave, Morgan Hill, CA 95037, in southern Santa Clara County. Visits and site tours are by appointment only, according to its website.
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 a rider?
Download the Client/Parent Handbook from the website, get a physician's statement, complete the forms and email the office to schedule an assessment with the Program Director.
How much does it cost?
The assessment is $80 as listed. Call (408) 778-3567 or email one.step.closer@sbcglobal.net to ask about current rates.
What ages does it serve?
The adaptive riding program serves children and adults. The school readiness program is for children ages 4 to 8.
How can veterans join?
The website says veterans interested in the program should contact their VA representative. You can also call the office at (408) 778-3567.
Location
Morgan Hill, California 95037
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.