Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center
Wausau, Wisconsin
Stable Hands Equine Therapy Center is run by Stable Hands, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1992 in Wausau, Wisconsin. It offers therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy, a reading program and summer horse camps. Riders range from age 4 through adult, and veterans, first responders and their families can join some programs at no cost.
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (At Liberty)
- Equine-assisted learning
- From the Ground Up skill-level program
- Horse Powered Reading
- Veterans Assisted Sports Training (V.A.S.T.)
- Summer horse camps
- Riders ages 4 through adult
- Individuals, couples, families and groups
- Veterans, active military and reserves
- First responders and their families
- Young readers from 4K up
- Campers ages 8 to 17
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding classes run in five-week sessions that end with a graduation ceremony. The center lists riders with autism spectrum disorder, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, and spinal cord or brain injuries, among others.
At Liberty is a ground-based equine-assisted psychotherapy program for mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, addiction, grief, ADHD, and relationship or family problems. Sessions are led by a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist, and no riding or horse experience is needed. Equine-assisted learning teaches social, emotional and life skills, mostly through ground work, with riding added when a client is ready. From the Ground Up is a levels-based program for ages 8 and up that combines mounted and unmounted work, and Horse Powered Reading uses ground activities with horses to build reading skills.
V.A.S.T. offers veterans mounted and unmounted activities, from basic horsemanship to advanced riding, in self-paced five-week sessions at no cost.
The Horses and Staff
Diane Abitz is the executive director and program director. The team includes a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with training in equine services for veterans, a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, a licensed professional counselor certified in equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy, a certified Horse Powered Reading facilitator, and a volunteer physical therapy consultant. Stable Hands says it is a member of PATH Intl.
Getting Started
New therapeutic riders start with a scheduled visit that includes an assessment, a facility tour and a chance to meet instructors. Each rider needs signed permission from a doctor. Staff consider ability to benefit, medical history and safety.
The initial assessment is $75, a five-week group session is $375 and a five-week private session is $425; equine-assisted learning lists the same rates. Summer camp is $395 per session. Volunteers can reach the center through the contact form on its website.
Location
Stable Hands is at 235337 N. 108th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, with an indoor riding arena and paddocks. Visits are by appointment only, so call ahead to arrange a tour.
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 in therapeutic riding?
Email programs@stablehandstherapy.com or call (715) 359-6046 to schedule an initial visit and assessment. A doctor's signed permission to ride is required.
What ages does Stable Hands serve?
Therapeutic riding is for ages 4 through adult. The From the Ground Up program starts at age 8, and summer camp is for ages 8 to 17.
Are there free programs for veterans?
Yes. V.A.S.T. is free for veterans, and At Liberty is free for active military, reserves, first responders, veterans and their families. Contact vast@stablehandstherapy.com to sign up.
Can I drop in to see the center?
No. The center asks visitors to call for a tour or set up an appointment with a staff member. It does not offer recreational horse rides.
Location
Wausau, Wisconsin 54401
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.