Heartland Horses Equine Activities & Learning (HHEAL)
Avon Park, Florida
Heartland Horses Equine Activities & Learning, known as HHEAL, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Avon Park, Florida. According to its website, it offers adaptive therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning and horsemanship. Its riding program is open to any adult or child with a diagnosed mental, physical or developmental disability.
- Adaptive therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted learning
- Horsemanship (riding and ground activities)
- Riding lessons
- Camps and lesson programs
- Wheelchair lift for mounting
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, developmental or mental disabilities
- Riders on the autism spectrum
More about this center
About the Program
The website says the program began in September 1998 as Kiwanis Horses & Handicapped. A 2023 Central Florida Ag News article says it was founded by Sandra Kuhn in Sebring and later moved to Avon Park.
Grooming, stroking and riding horses are described as ways to build motor skills, posture, balance, coordination and strength. The site lists conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis and the effects of strokes or accidents. The 2023 article says many riders are on the autism spectrum, that riders work with a horse leader and two side walkers, and that a lift helps riders who use wheelchairs mount.
The website says HHEAL does not currently have an occupational, physical or psychotherapist on site. It does not list hippotherapy or counseling.
The Horses and Staff
The staff page lists Executive Director Sherry Paplaskas as a PATH certified instructor and Lisa Burkholder and Kayla Comeau as PATH certified riding instructors. The website names the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) as its certifying body. It says its horses are usually donated by owners who can no longer keep or care for them.
Volunteering
Anyone age 13 and over can volunteer, with some limits for minors, and no horse experience is needed. Volunteers help with clients, feeding and grooming, grounds work, clerical tasks and fundraising.
Location
HHEAL is at 4305 Independence Street, Avon Park, FL 33825, in Highlands County.
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 do I enroll in therapeutic riding at Heartland Horses?
Complete the participant application on the Programs page of heartlandhorses.org. A doctor's authorization is required to participate.
How much does it cost?
As listed on the website, participation is $10 per session. Call (863) 452-0006 to confirm current fees.
When are sessions held?
The website says client sessions run Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, with extra sessions by appointment.
How do I contact HHEAL?
Call (863) 452-0006 or email HeartlandHorsesFlorida@gmail.com.
Location
Avon Park, Florida 33825
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.