Location: Auburn, California, United States
Healing Pastures, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Auburn, California, offering therapeutic riding and animal-assisted programs designed to support individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral needs. The program is centered on the belief that healing can happen through the human-animal bond, using structured interaction with horses and other animals to promote confidence, courage, and emotional well-being.
This is a community-focused program that integrates equine therapy with broader agricultural and wellness activities. Alongside riding instruction, the organization supports programs for special needs individuals, at-risk youth, and community groups, creating a multi-purpose healing environment rooted in experiential learning and connection with animals.
About This Program
Healing Pastures, Inc. provides equine-assisted activities that combine therapeutic riding with hands-on animal and farm-based learning experiences. Participants engage in structured sessions that may include riding, grooming, groundwork, and interaction with a variety of farm animals, all designed to support emotional regulation, physical development, and social skills.
The program takes a holistic, experience-based approach where horses and other animals play an active role in helping participants build trust, responsibility, and self-confidence. Sessions are adapted to individual needs, making the program accessible to a wide range of abilities and backgrounds.
Services Offered
• Therapeutic riding
• Equine-assisted activities
• Animal-assisted therapy programs
• Groundwork and horsemanship training
• Farm-based experiential learning
• Programs for special needs individuals
• Youth and at-risk programs
• Volunteer-supported activities
Who They Serve
Healing Pastures, Inc. may be good for:
• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Individuals with disabilities
• At-risk youth
• Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
• Participants seeking animal-assisted wellness programs
• Community groups and school programs
Facility and Setting
Healing Pastures, Inc. is located in Auburn, California, on a rural farm setting that includes horses, goats, and other animals used in therapeutic and educational programs. The environment is designed to be hands-on and interactive, supporting both structured riding and broader animal-assisted experiences.
The setting is informal yet purposeful, combining farm life with therapeutic programming. It provides a natural, open-space environment where participants can engage in meaningful, real-world activities that support personal growth and healing.
What Makes Them Unique
Healing Pastures, Inc. stands out for its multi-animal, farm-based therapeutic model that extends beyond traditional riding programs. By integrating horses with broader agricultural and community activities, the program offers a more immersive and varied healing experience.
Another key strength is its strong community mission—supporting not only individuals with special needs but also youth development, volunteer engagement, and local outreach programs. This creates a wide-reaching impact that blends therapy, education, and community service into one unified approach.