Location: North Franklin, Connecticut, United States
Flying Free Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a therapeutic riding program in North Franklin, Connecticut, serving children and adults with special needs through structured equine-assisted activities. The program brings together horses, horsemanship, and individualized support in a setting designed to help riders build confidence, coordination, communication, and emotional well-being.
This is a nonprofit center with a focused therapeutic riding model rather than a broad clinical program. Sessions are built around both mounted and unmounted activities, giving participants the chance to benefit from the physical, mental, social, and emotional value of working with horses in a consistent and supportive environment.
About This Program
Flying Free Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving eastern Connecticut and surrounding communities. The program launched in early 2024 after a lengthy planning and fundraising process and was created to provide therapeutic horseback riding and related horse-centered experiences for children and adults with special needs.
The center is guided by a practical, individualized approach. Riders take part in private lessons and equine-assisted activities that are adapted to their needs and abilities, with a strong emphasis on safety, encouragement, and steady progress. The goal is to make the benefits of horsemanship accessible to participants who can thrive through a structured relationship with horses.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Mounted equine-assisted activities
- Unmounted horse activities
- Horsemanship skill development
- Private weekly lessons
- Year-round 10-week riding sessions
Who They Serve
- Children ages 3 and up
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with communication challenges
- Individuals with mental and emotional support needs
- Participants who benefit from structured adaptive riding and horse-centered activities
Facility and Setting
Flying Free Therapeutic Riding Center operates from 89 Doctor Nott Road in North Franklin, Connecticut. The program serves eastern Connecticut and uses a farm setting that supports both riding and off-horse activities in a calm, organized environment.
The setting is built around therapeutic access rather than a traditional lesson-barn atmosphere. Participants are given space to learn at an individualized pace, and the center’s indoor riding access helps support year-round programming, consistency, and continuity for riders and families.
What Makes Them Unique
Flying Free stands out for its focused therapeutic riding model and its commitment to serving riders through both mounted and unmounted activities. The program is designed specifically for individuals with special needs and keeps its structure centered on accessibility, safety, and the long-term value of adaptive horsemanship.
Another distinguishing feature is its newer but purpose-built foundation. The center was created to fill an important need in the region and has quickly developed into a dedicated nonprofit program with PATH-certified leadership, private weekly lessons, and a clear therapeutic mission.