Special Spirit
Los Angeles, California
Special Spirit is a nonprofit equine-assisted center on a working horse ranch at 9889 Helen Ave in Shadow Hills, in the Los Angeles area. Its website lists adaptive riding lessons, equine-assisted learning and coaching, and equine-assisted therapy with a licensed therapist. It serves children and adults, including people with special needs, foster and underserved youth, and people in recovery.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Equine-assisted therapy with a licensed therapist
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAGALA model)
- Equine-assisted learning
- Equine-assisted coaching and mindfulness
- Equine-assisted recovery
- Equine Empowering Youth
- Team building with horses
- Children and adults with special needs
- Individuals on the autism spectrum
- Foster youth
- At-risk and underserved adolescents
- Siblings of children with special needs
- People in substance use recovery
- People seeking emotional healing
- Able-bodied riders
More about this center
About the Program
Special Spirit uses mounted and unmounted horse activities for both adaptive and able-bodied riders, according to its website. Alongside therapeutic riding style adaptive lessons, it lists individual and family therapy sessions led by a licensed therapist, and its Candid profile describes an equine-assisted psychotherapy program that follows the EAGALA model.
The website says its programs follow PATH and EAGALA standards. Its Candid profile says the organization is certified by PATH International and EAGALA, but we could not confirm that it is a PATH Intl. accredited center.
The Ranch and Volunteers
A January 2024 FOX 11 Los Angeles report describes Special Spirit as a learning ranch on a working horse ranch, founded by Eva Lund, with horses, pigs and goats on site. The report says the ranch runs with volunteers and relies on grants and donations. Its Candid profile lists Eva Lund as executive director. The website also lists community events such as horse meditation and yoga sessions, and a volunteer page.
Location
Special Spirit is at 9889 Helen Ave, Shadow Hills, CA 91040, in the northeast San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. Its contact page and Candid profile use the mailing city of Sunland for the same address.
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 riding lessons or therapy?
Use the contact form on specialspirit.org and choose a topic such as Riding Lessons or Equine Assisted Therapy, or call (323) 661-3090. You can also email info@specialspirit.org.
How much do sessions cost?
Fees for lessons and therapy are not published. The website lists some event prices, such as $45 for a small-group horse meditation, as listed. Call (323) 661-3090 to ask, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who can take part?
The center says it serves children and adults, including people with special needs, foster and underserved youth, and people in recovery, as well as able-bodied riders.
Location
Los Angeles, California 91040
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.