McCormick Research Institute
Saint Cloud, Florida
McCormick Research Institute is a nonprofit equine-assisted therapy center in St. Cloud, Florida, in Osceola County. Its two main programs are Heavenly Hooves, therapeutic riding for individuals with special needs, and Camp McCormick, equine-assisted programs for veterans with PTSD. Heavenly Hooves is currently full: the website says that due to the length of its waitlist, it is not accepting new applications at this time. According to its website, the center holds PATH Intl. Premier Center Accreditation.
- Therapeutic riding (Heavenly Hooves)
- 12-week equine-assisted group sessions for veterans
- Individual counseling with therapy horses for veterans
- Horses & Heroes veteran drill team
- Veteran Intern Program
- Horse shows and Equestrian Special Olympics
- Barn tours and facility rental
- Education and research
- Individuals with special needs
- Veterans with PTSD
More about this center
About the Program
The website says Heavenly Hooves lessons are led by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, and students learn to groom, care for and ride their horse. Riders are encouraged to take part in horse shows and the Equestrian Special Olympics; county and area competitions are held at McCormick.
Camp McCormick offers free 12-week group sessions for veterans, facilitated by a certified therapeutic riding instructor, with mounted activities and ground work. The site also lists individual counseling for veterans diagnosed with PTSD with a licensed mental health professional and therapy horses. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
History
According to its website, the organization began in 2002 at a family home, moved to Osceola County's Heritage Park in 2006, and introduced the Horses & Heroes veteran program in 2011. It rebranded as The McCormick Research Institute in 2014 and moved into a county-built facility in late 2016. ProPublica lists it as a 501(c)(3) under the name Heavenly Hoofs Inc.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be over 14, register through an online form and complete a multi-step training program starting with orientation. The volunteer manager can be reached at melody@mccormick.us.
Location
The center is at 4651 Rummell Road, St. Cloud, FL 34771, at the Osceola Therapeutic Equestrian Center facility in Osceola 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.
Is Heavenly Hooves accepting new riders?
No. The website says the program is currently full and, due to the length of its waitlist, is not accepting new applications. Call 407-933-7433, extension 6, to ask about future openings.
How do veterans sign up for Camp McCormick?
The website links to online registration and an application, and lists caity@mccormick.us for workshop questions. The 12-week group sessions are free to veterans.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
Call 407-933-7433 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I contact the center?
Call 407-933-7433 (RIDE). The contact page lists extensions for the veteran program (1), volunteer services (3) and special needs program (6).
Location
Saint Cloud, Florida 34771
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.