Location: Michigan, United States
Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program is a statewide therapeutic horseback riding program in Michigan that serves children, teens, and adults with disabilities through horse-based instruction, horsemanship, and volunteer-supported riding experiences. The program is part of Michigan State University Extension and is designed to help riders improve balance, coordination, posture, muscle tone, confidence, and social growth.
About This Program
Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program, also called PEP, brings riders with disabilities together with trained volunteers, instructors, and horse owners in a structured therapeutic riding setting. The program supports both riding skill development and broader personal growth through regular work with horses.
The program has been part of Michigan 4-H since 1974 and continues to serve individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and multiple disabilities across the state. It also creates opportunities for volunteers and instructors to take part in inclusive equine programming.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Horsemanship instruction
- Stable management skills
- Volunteer-supported riding sessions
- Inclusive equine programming for youth and adults
- Instructor development and certification support
Who They Serve
Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program may be a good fit for:
- Children with disabilities
- Teens with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with emotional disabilities
- Individuals with multiple disabilities
Facility and Setting
Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program operates as a statewide program rather than a single-site riding center. Local participation is connected through county MSU Extension offices and affiliated riding programs across Michigan.
- Statewide Michigan program
- Connected through county MSU Extension offices
- Volunteer-supported therapeutic riding
- Local program participation opportunities across multiple communities
- Structured equine setting with trained instructors and suitable horses
What Makes Them Unique
Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program stands out for its statewide reach and long history within Michigan 4-H. Instead of operating as one local center, it connects riders, volunteers, instructors, and horse owners through a broader Extension-based network.
The program also combines therapeutic horseback riding with horsemanship and stable management skills, giving riders a wider equine experience than a riding-only format. Its long-running instructor support and certification structure add to that foundation
Contact Information
- Address: Contact through local county MSU Extension offices or Michigan State University Extension, East Lansing, Michigan
- Email: reesejer@msu.edu
- Phone: Main MSU contact listed on the program site: (517) 355-1855
- Website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/proud_equestrians_program/