Sopris Therapy Services (STS) is a nonprofit equine-assisted therapy and rehabilitation organization located in Carbondale, Colorado. Since 1994, STS has provided innovative therapy programs that combine traditional rehabilitation services with the therapeutic benefits of horses. The organization serves children, adults, and veterans with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges through individualized treatment programs in a ranch setting.
STS is dedicated to helping participants reach their full potential by improving physical function, communication skills, independence, and emotional well-being. Through a combination of licensed therapy services, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted interventions, the program creates engaging and effective opportunities for growth while fostering meaningful connections between participants and horses.
About This Program
Sopris Therapy Services offers a comprehensive range of rehabilitation and equine-assisted therapy programs. Services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, cognitive retraining, hippotherapy, and therapeutic riding. Programs are individualized to meet the unique goals and needs of each participant and are delivered by licensed professionals and experienced equine specialists.
The organization utilizes horses as therapeutic partners to improve gross and fine motor skills, balance, coordination, speech and language development, sensory processing, and overall functional independence. STS also provides specialized programs for veterans, children with disabilities, and individuals seeking equine-assisted rehabilitation services.
Services Offered
- Hippotherapy
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Cognitive retraining
- Equine-assisted therapy and rehabilitation
- Disabled veterans programs
- Horses for Heroes programs
- Summer camps and recreational riding opportunities
- PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instruction
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy programs
Who They Serve
Sopris Therapy Services may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Veterans
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive challenges
- Individuals recovering from injury or illness
- Participants seeking rehabilitation services
- Individuals benefiting from equine-assisted therapies
Facility and Setting
Sopris Therapy Services operates within the Aspen Equestrian Center in Carbondale, Colorado. The facility includes two indoor riding arenas, including one equipped with a wheelchair-accessible mounting ramp, an outdoor arena, riding trails, ADA-accessible restrooms, and observation areas for families and caregivers.
The ranch setting provides a unique therapeutic environment where participants can engage with horses while receiving professional rehabilitation services. The combination of natural surroundings, accessible facilities, and experienced staff creates an atmosphere that promotes both physical and emotional well-being.
What Makes Them Unique
Sopris Therapy Services stands out for its integrated approach that combines licensed rehabilitation therapies with equine-assisted interventions. Rather than offering horseback riding alone, the organization incorporates physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation into a comprehensive treatment model that uses horses as part of the therapeutic process.
Another distinguishing feature is the breadth of programs available, including hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, veterans programs, and recreational opportunities. Since 1994, STS has served the Roaring Fork Valley community by helping individuals improve function, independence, and quality of life through innovative equine-assisted therapies.