Pony Power Therapies, Inc.
Mahwah, New Jersey
Pony Power Therapies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm in Mahwah, New Jersey, that connects people with disabilities or life challenges with horses, farming and nature. It offers therapeutic riding from age 2.5, a non-riding horse-assisted learning program, a group program for young adults, and custom programs for schools and organizations.
- Therapeutic horseback riding (ages 2.5 and up)
- Horse-assisted learning, non-riding (ages 6 and up)
- All Hands In group program for young adults
- Garden-assisted learning
- School and organization group programs
- Summer weeks through partner referrals
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with developmental delays
- People with visual impairments
- People with traumatic brain injuries
- People with mental health diagnoses or trauma
- Young adults with disabilities
- Veterans and seniors (through group programs)
More about this center
About the Program
Each 30-minute riding lesson pairs a rider with an instructor, two trained volunteers and a horse. Riders need a completed Physician Statement form, must meet the herd's height and weight guidelines, and bring their own ASTM-SEI-approved helmet. A parent or caregiver stays on site during individual lessons. No diagnosis, doctor's prescription or IEP is required.
Horse-assisted learning is a one-on-one, non-riding program where participants learn to move safely around horses, groom them and may progress to leading a horse. All Hands In is a 90-minute group program that builds life, work and social skills through horses, farm and nature.
Schools, adult day programs, treatment services, assisted living residents and veterans can book group programs. School groups usually run one hour, and curricula can include pre-vocational and social skills.
The Horses and Staff
Dana Spett, DSW, a PATH Intl. certified instructor, founded the program in 2000 and serves as executive director. The website says Pony Power has been a PATH Intl. member center since it began, and that its instructors are PATH-certified or working toward certification. Its team page lists the herd of horses and ponies, along with donkeys, goats, chickens and bees.
Getting Started
Lessons are booked by semester: summer (July to August), fall (September to December), winter (January to February) and spring (March to June). Single lessons are not offered. During the school year, individual lessons run Sunday mornings and Monday through Thursday, 3 to 6 pm. Enrolled families are invited to a farm tour before the semester starts.
As listed, riding costs $510 for six lessons in the summer and winter semesters or $1,020 for twelve lessons in fall and spring, with sibling rates of $390 and $780. Horse-assisted learning is $390 or $780, and All Hands In is $330 or $660. Financial aid is available. The center does not accept insurance, Medicaid or Medicare.
Location
Pony Power Therapies is at 1170 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430, in Bergen County. It is a private facility, and visits are by appointment only.
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?
Use the new participant inquiry form on the website, call (201) 934-1001 or email info@ponypowernj.org. Registration opens by semester, and winter registration opens October 23.
What ages does Pony Power serve?
Therapeutic riding starts at age 2.5 with no maximum age if staff and a doctor clear the rider. Horse-assisted learning starts at age 6, and All Hands In is for young adults.
Does insurance cover lessons?
No. Pony Power says it is not a medical facility and does not accept insurance, Medicaid or Medicare, but financial aid is available. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do schools or groups book?
Email sydney@ponypowernj.org. Fall and spring groups meet Monday through Thursday between 10 am and noon.
Location
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
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.