Location: Petaluma, California, United States
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a long-established nonprofit equine-assisted services program in Petaluma, California. The center serves children, teens, and adults with a wide range of needs, using horses to support physical, emotional, mental, and social growth in a setting that feels welcoming, capable, and deeply community-centered.
This is a program with more depth than a standard adaptive riding barn. Giant Steps is built around the power of horses, teamwork, and belonging, and the overall experience feels structured without becoming clinical. Riders and participants are given room to work toward meaningful personal goals while spending time in a real horse environment that encourages confidence, independence, and connection.
About This Program
Giant Steps focuses on equine-assisted programs for people of all ages, means, and challenges. Its mission centers on helping participants experience the benefits of therapeutic riding and related horse-based activities in ways that support richer, more independent lives.
The program appears to serve a broad population rather than one narrow group. That gives the center a flexible and inclusive feel, with services designed to meet riders and participants where they are. The emphasis is not simply on riding as recreation, but on using horse-centered experiences to support progress across physical, mental, and social goals.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted activities
- Horse-centered goal-based programming
- Adaptive riding support
- Volunteer-supported equine services
- Client enrollment for ongoing participation
- Community events and seasonal programming
Who They Serve
- Children with disabilities
- Teens with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Participants with physical challenges
- Participants with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Participants with developmental or cognitive challenges
- Individuals working toward greater independence, confidence, and life skills through horse-based programs
Facility and Setting
Giant Steps operates at Sonoma Horse Park in Petaluma on Lakeville Highway. The setting gives the program a full equestrian environment rather than a small standalone therapy space, which helps create an experience that feels active, grounded, and connected to everyday horsemanship.
That kind of setting adds something important to the program. It allows participants to build relationships with horses in a space that feels open and capable, while still benefiting from the structure and support of a dedicated therapeutic equestrian center. The result is a program that feels both professional and welcoming.
What Makes Them Unique
What makes Giant Steps stand out is the way it combines therapeutic purpose with a strong sense of team and community. The center presents horses as part of a larger support system that includes staff, volunteers, families, and participants all working together toward meaningful growth.
Its long-standing presence in Petaluma and its broad equine-assisted mission also give it a sense of maturity and depth. For families looking for a center that offers more than a basic adaptive lesson, Giant Steps feels like a program built around lasting impact, strong relationships, and a genuine belief in what horses can help people achieve.