Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center
Bristol, Connecticut
Shepard Meadows is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a 26-acre farm in Bristol, Connecticut, offering equine-assisted services. It lists therapeutic and adaptive riding for people with special needs, unmounted programs for veterans and their families, and equine-assisted psychotherapy with licensed clinicians. It also runs youth, senior, scout and community programs.
- Therapeutic/adaptive riding
- Veterans horsemanship program (unmounted)
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (unmounted)
- Equine counseling
- Youth development program
- Senior program
- Summer equine experience
- Community lessons
- Children and adults with special needs (age 4 and up)
- Veterans and their families
- Youth
- Seniors
- Scout groups and field trips
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Shepard Meadows is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and its therapeutic instructional staff are certified. Read more about PATH Intl. accreditation.
Therapeutic riding runs in weekly sessions. Private sessions are 30 minutes and semi-private or group sessions are 45 minutes, including mounting and dismounting. The equine-assisted psychotherapy program is unmounted, led by a licensed therapist, and the center says it currently works with three licensed clinicians. Space in that program is limited.
Getting Started
For riding, the first step is an application with a physician's sign-off, returned by email, mail or in person. A riding evaluation then decides whether riding is safe and what horse, equipment, volunteers and staff are needed.
The veterans horsemanship program is unmounted. The center also takes Wounded Warrior Project referrals and offers Horses For Heroes coaching sessions.
History
The center says it was founded in 2004 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 2005. In spring 2021, Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. changed its name to Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center, Inc. The center says the property is free-leased to it by the Episcopal Church of Connecticut.
Location
Shepard Meadows is at 733 Hill Street, Bristol, CT 06010. According to its website, the 26-acre farm was bought by the Shepard family in 1908 and used as their summer home.
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.
How much does adaptive riding cost?
As listed on its website, there is a one-time $75 evaluation fee and sessions are $65 each, private or semi-private/group. Payment is due before sessions begin. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are there age or weight requirements?
Riders must be at least 4 years old, and the maximum weight for mounted programs is 180 lbs.
Is the veterans program free?
Yes. The center says its veterans horsemanship program is offered at no cost to veterans and their families for up to 24 weeks, based on available funding.
How do I contact Shepard Meadows?
Call (860) 314-0007 or use the contact form on the center's website. For the veterans and psychotherapy programs, the website lists kathryn@shepardmeadows.org.
Location
Bristol, Connecticut 06010
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.