Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources
Sierra Vista, Arizona
Cochise Area Network of Therapeutic Equestrian Resources (CANTER) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Sierra Vista, Arizona. It offers mounted and unmounted equine-assisted lessons for people of all disability types. Classes run with Cochise County public schools during the school year, on Saturdays for private riders, and for seniors through Silver Saddles.
- Mounted therapeutic riding lessons
- Unmounted equine-assisted learning
- School-day classes with Cochise County public schools
- Saturday private-pay group classes
- Silver Saddles classes for seniors
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Students in Cochise County public school special education programs
- Seniors aged 60 and older
More about this center
About the Program
CANTER began in 1993 and says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Lessons are offered under the supervision of PATH certified instructors, with volunteer horse handlers and side walkers. Unmounted lessons work on self-awareness, sensory regulation, speech and language, self-discipline and concentration.
During the school year, CANTER partners with Cochise County public school districts. Schools bring students to the barn, and school therapists and ESS teachers are invited to help design lesson plans. Lessons are 30 minutes long, in small groups of three or four, four days a week. Private riders with their own transportation may join school classes case by case.
Saturday group classes are open to private riders who provide their own transportation, including former school participants. Silver Saddles offers mounted and unmounted classes for people 60 and older, with a schedule that changes through the year.
The Horses and Staff
The herd has ten animals, including a Haflinger pony, a Missouri Foxtrotter, an Arabian, a miniature horse, a mammoth jack mule and a miniature jenny mule. Some are owned by CANTER and others are on loan.
PATH certified instructors include Andi Taylor, Sue Mowat and Jan Quain. Gail Farmer is the board president, and Andi Taylor also manages the horses, barn and grounds.
Volunteering
CANTER relies on volunteers as side walkers, horse handlers, on-call helpers, fundraisers, event planners and grounds crew. No experience is needed, and training happens on the job. Volunteers who can ride independently may also help condition the horses in group sessions led by a PATH certified instructor. Dean Quain coordinates volunteers at (520) 227-7396 or canterazvolunteer@gmail.com.
Location
CANTER is at 7388 East Chief Joseph Drive, Sierra Vista, AZ 85650, and serves families across Cochise County. Call (520) 378-3196 or email canterazoffice@gmail.com.
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 much do lessons cost?
Saturday and Silver Saddles participants pay per 30-minute session, and school classes carry a small fee. Call (520) 378-3196 or email canterazoffice@gmail.com for current rates. Scholarships funded by local donors may be available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
How can my child take part through school?
CANTER runs school-day classes with Cochise County public school districts, and schools provide transportation. Ask your child's school or ESS teacher about joining.
When does Silver Saddles meet?
The schedule changes during the year. Email canterazpresident@gmail.com for the current class times.
Location
Sierra Vista, Arizona 85650
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.