Halleck Creek Ranch
Nicasio, California
Halleck Creek Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Nicasio, California, in rural Marin County, that offers equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities and their families. Its programs include adaptive riding, an unmounted Horse Skills program, a summer horsemanship camp and a Vocational and Life Skills (VALS) program.
- Adaptive riding (group and individual sessions)
- Saturday group riding sessions
- Horse Skills (unmounted groundwork program)
- Vocational and Life Skills (VALS) program
- Summer horsemanship camp
- Tailored equine experiences
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Families of participants
- Youth and young adults ages 15 and up (VALS)
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the program began in 1977 and the organization incorporated in 1979. It was founded by Duane Irving and Joyce Goldfield, first ran at the Irving Ranch in Nicasio, and now owns a 60-acre ranch. The site says it serves nearly 100 participants every week.
Weekday therapeutic riding sessions run Tuesday through Friday in 45-minute slots between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, in 8-week sessions with measurable goals. Three group sessions run each Saturday between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, and the site says they emphasize social connections between riders and volunteers and the connections between people, animals and nature. The ranch says its instructors are certified by PATH Intl.
Unmounted and Life Skills Options
Horse Skills is described as an unmounted, hands-on program for all ages, run in small groups. It works on functional, social and motor skills, and can stand alone, prepare a participant for riding or complement riding.
VALS is for youth and young adults with disabilities, ages 15 and up, and focuses on job and life skills. It meets for two hours a week over eight weeks at the ranch's second location, 3311 Nicasio Valley Road.
Volunteering
The ranch says it is always looking for new volunteers and takes applications through a volunteer form on its website.
Location
Halleck Creek Ranch is at 1740 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, CA 94946. Its second site, used for VALS, is at 3311 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio. Mail goes to P.O. Box 159, Nicasio, CA 94946.
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.
Is Halleck Creek Ranch accepting new riders?
Its website says it is pausing new rider enrollment for adaptive riding and keeps a waitlist. Staff contact families in waitlist order as space opens.
How much does it cost?
Call (415) 662-2488 or email info@halleckcreekranch.org to ask, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are there options besides riding?
Yes. The unmounted Horse Skills program is open to all ages, and openings vary, so the ranch asks people to call 415-662-2488 to check availability.
How do I contact the ranch?
Call (415) 662-2488 or email info@halleckcreekranch.org.
Location
Nicasio, California 94946
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.