McCormick Research Institute

Location: St. Cloud, Florida, United States

McCormick Research Institute is a nonprofit equine-assisted services center in St. Cloud, Florida. Established in 2002, it serves veterans and individuals with special needs through horse-based programs designed to support healing, connection, and long-term well-being.

Its services go beyond therapeutic riding and reflect a broader equine-assisted therapy model. The organization operates programs including Heavenly Hooves for individuals with special needs and Horses & Heroes or Camp McCormick for veterans, with services focused on therapeutic riding, equine-assisted mental health support, horsemanship, and relationship-based interaction with horses. McCormick also emphasizes research and professional education as part of its mission, positioning itself as more than a riding center alone.

McCormick Research Institute operates at 4651 Rummell Road in St. Cloud and is as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Its instructors include PATH-certified professionals, including Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning. The organization’s mission centers on expanding access to effective equine-assisted therapies, especially for veterans and families that include individuals with special needs.

Key Details:

• Services: Therapeutic riding, equine-assisted mental health support, horsemanship instruction, veteran-focused equine programs, and equine-assisted services for individuals with special needs

• Who they serve: Veterans and children and adults with special needs

• Notable programs: Heavenly Hooves, Horses & Heroes, and Camp McCormick

• Facility or setting: Nonprofit equine-assisted services center in St. Cloud with a research and education mission

• Certifications or credentials: 501(c)(3) nonprofit; PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center; instructors include PATH-certified professionals and Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning