People and Animal Learning Services (PALS)
Bloomington, Indiana
People and Animal Learning Services (PALS) is a nonprofit equine-assisted learning center at 7644 W Elwren Road in Bloomington, Indiana, founded in 2000. It offers adaptive riding, unmounted equine-assisted learning and youth and family programs. Its website says it serves people with disabilities, veterans, senior citizens and underserved youth.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Equine-assisted learning (unmounted)
- Welcome Lessons for new clients
- Changing Leads groups for people in recovery
- Stable Futures teen career program
- EQUIPT family sessions
- Valiant Strides for military and first responders
- Sensory Trail
- Children and adults with physical, developmental or relational needs
- Veterans and active-duty military
- First responders
- Senior citizens
- Teens
- Families
- People in recovery
More about this center
About the Program
PALS lists itself as a Member Center of PATH Intl. and a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Accredited Site. Its programs page says lessons are led by instructors certified by PATH Intl. and/or CHA. The site does not list hippotherapy.
Adaptive riding lessons are offered individually and in groups for children and adults with physical, developmental or relational needs. Equine-assisted learning is unmounted and teaches life skills such as communication, independent living and self-care. Valiant Strides offers free mounted and unmounted lessons for active-duty military, veterans and first responders of all ages, and Stable Futures gives qualifying teens free career experience in animal care.
Getting Started
New clients submit a participant application on the PALS website. Instead of a waitlist, PALS places new clients in weekly ground-based Welcome Lessons until a spot opens in adaptive riding or equine-assisted learning.
Tornado Recovery
A tornado in May 2025 destroyed most of the PALS buildings, including a 30,000-square-foot indoor arena, according to Indiana Public Media. PALS kept some services running by repurposing a small storage barn as an indoor facility. A June 2026 report said about 90% of the rebuild was complete, and the PALS website thanks visitors who attended its Homecoming Open House on October 3, 2026.
Location
PALS is at 7644 W Elwren Road, Bloomington, IN 47403, on property it bought in 2013. Its mailing address is PO Box 1033, Bloomington, IN 47402. The contact page lists hours of Monday to Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday by appointment.
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.
Is there a waitlist?
PALS says its Welcome Lessons replace the waitlist. New clients attend weekly ground-based sessions until a riding or learning spot opens.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on its website, group lessons are $75 per hour and private lessons are $85 per hour. Scholarships depend on funding for families below 250% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, and Valiant Strides, Stable Futures and EQUIPT are free. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I contact PALS?
Call 812-336-2798 or email info@palsindiana.org.
Location
Bloomington, Indiana 47403
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.