Stirrups & Smiles
Searcy, Arkansas
Stirrups & Smiles is a nonprofit in Searcy, Arkansas that provides hippotherapy for children with special needs. Sessions are part of each child's plan of care and are delivered by speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists, with support from side walkers and horse handlers.
- Hippotherapy
- Speech-language therapy using horse movement
- Physical therapy using horse movement
- Occupational therapy using horse movement
- Children with special needs
More about this center
About the Program
Stirrups & Smiles uses the movement of the horse as a treatment tool within a child's integrated plan of care. Speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists lead the work, aiming to support physical, emotional and communication development.
The program has close ties to Harding University in Searcy. Dr. Jennifer Fisher, a speech-language pathologist and associate professor of communication sciences and disorders at Harding, joined the board in 2014, completed hippotherapy training in 2017 and is the board president. Graduate students in communication sciences and disorders earn clinical hours or complete observation requirements during sessions.
Volunteering and Support
Stirrups & Smiles relies on sponsors, volunteers and donations. Volunteers serve as side walkers, help with barn chores and horse care, and assist with fundraising events. Harding students have logged hundreds of volunteer hours with the program.
Supporters can sponsor one of the therapy horses. Sponsorship funds go toward feed and hay, tack, emergency veterinary care and barn maintenance.
Location
Stirrups & Smiles is at 128 Cox Road, Searcy, AR 72143, in White County, Arkansas. Call 501-268-5001 to ask about therapy openings, current rates or volunteering.
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 get my child started with hippotherapy?
Call 501-268-5001 to ask about openings. Because hippotherapy is part of a plan of care, families should expect an evaluation by one of the program's therapists.
Who provides the therapy?
Sessions are led by speech-language pathologists, physical therapists and occupational therapists, supported by side walkers and horse handlers.
What does hippotherapy cost?
Call 501-268-5001 for current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains how fees and insurance often work.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers work as side walkers, help with barn chores and horse care, and support fundraising events. Call 501-268-5001 to get involved.
Location
Searcy, Arkansas 72143
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.