Stride Ahead, Inc.
Decatur, Georgia
Stride Ahead, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Decatur, Georgia, whose stated mission is to empower people in need to achieve their highest potential by partnering with horses. Its website lists therapeutic riding, a veterans program, equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy and stress relief sessions for children and adults.
- Therapeutic riding (weekly lessons)
- Veterans program
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Stress relief sessions
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- At-risk youth
- People with spinal cord injuries
- People affected by PTSD, trauma, depression or substance abuse
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, therapeutic riding is taught by nationally certified instructors in weekly lessons that include time on and around the horse. Riders include children and adults with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, stroke, traumatic brain injury and other conditions. The site also lists separate sessions for Shepherd Center clients with spinal cord and brain injuries three times a month.
The veterans program, supported by a grant from the Eveland Family Foundation of Georgia, offers calm time with the horses alongside certified equine professionals. In equine-assisted psychotherapy, the site says licensed mental health professionals work with certified equine specialists; its staff list includes a licensed professional counselor (LPC) and a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). It says staff are trained and certified through PATH Intl. and EAGALA.
History
The organization says founder Anne Preston started Hands On Horses in 2006, assembled a team of certified professionals and volunteers to run programs at Little Creek Horse Farm in 2008, and formed Stride Ahead as a 501(c)(3) in 2009. Pam Smith is listed as program director and instructor.
Volunteering
Stride Ahead relies on volunteers and offers regular training and mentoring. Its events calendar lists new volunteer orientations into late 2026.
Location
Stride Ahead lists its address as 2057 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur, GA 30033, with mail to PO Box 33051, Decatur, GA 30033. Programs take place at Little Creek Horse Farm, a DeKalb County park on Lawrenceville Highway with a 46-stall barn, indoor and lighted outdoor arenas, and 13 acres of pasture.
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 sign up for therapeutic riding?
The website does not describe an enrollment or waitlist process. Contact Stride Ahead at 404-217-4895 or pashme01@gmail.com to ask about openings.
How much do lessons cost?
The center says sliding-scale payment options are available for riders who cannot pay the full cost; call 404-217-4895 for details. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who can join the veterans program?
The website says it is open to men and women who are currently serving or have served in the military.
How can I volunteer?
Register through the website and attend a new volunteer orientation from its events calendar.
Location
Decatur, Georgia 30033
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.