Storm Harbor Equestrian Center
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Storm Harbor Equestrian Center is a program of Slippery Rock University in Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. It offers weekly therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities for children and adults with cognitive, physical, emotional and social disabilities, and says it serves more than six counties in the Pittsburgh area. A few of its programs are open to the general public.
- Weekly therapeutic riding lessons
- Community camp
- Special Olympics equestrian team
- Program for veterans
- Sensory trail
- Day programs for schools and agencies
- Field trips and educational tours
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders age 4 and up
- People with intellectual disabilities
- Autistic children and adults
- Veterans
- Schools, agencies and community groups
More about this center
About the Program
The center is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and says it is the only Premier center in western Pennsylvania. All instructors are PATH Intl. certified. Lessons are half an hour of riding instruction with a certified instructor and may include unmounted work such as grooming and horse care.
Through the Butler County Special Olympics Equestrian Team, children and adults with intellectual disabilities train in an 8-week session with English and Western events, coached by SRU students under a certified therapeutic riding instructor and a Special Olympics coach. The center also runs a program for veterans, community camps with grooming, saddling, riding skills, games and crafts, and day programs for local agencies, schools and youth groups.
The Horses, Staff and Facility
The staff page lists Courtney Gramlich, CTRS, as director, Kelly Gross as assistant director and Debra Enscoe as barn manager. PATH Intl. certified instructors include Whitney Angelini, a Doctor of Physical Therapy. The team also includes graduate assistants, student workers and volunteers, and the center lists 18 working horses.
The barn has 18 stalls, a wash bay and a separate hay shed. Riders use a fenced outdoor arena and a heated 80 by 190 foot indoor arena with a wheelchair-accessible lift. The grounds include 13 acres of pasture and trails and a sensory trail, about an eighth of a mile long, with stations to see, touch and explore.
Getting Started and Volunteering
Riders complete a participant packet, including an application and health history, and a medical history form that must be renewed periodically. Lessons are listed at $20 per half hour and camp at $50 per date. Scholarships may be available, and families who need help with the cost can ask. Groups can request a pricing list for field trips and events.
Volunteers do not need horse experience. They lead horses, sidewalk during lessons, help with barn chores and office work, and assist at special events after completing volunteer forms and training. Call the center to schedule a volunteer orientation.
Location
Storm Harbor is at 245 Harmony Road, Slippery Rock, PA 16057.
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 therapeutic riding at Storm Harbor?
Call 724-738-4010 or email stormharbor@sru.edu to discuss options. Riders complete the participant packet and a medical history form before starting.
Is there a minimum age?
The participant packet says riding lesson participants must be at least 4 years old.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are listed at $20 per half hour and community camp at $50 per date. Scholarships may be available, and families can ask the center about help with the cost.
Is Storm Harbor only for Slippery Rock University students?
No. Its main focus is children and adults with disabilities from the surrounding region, and a few programs are open to the general public. SRU students work and volunteer there.
Location
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania 16057
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.