Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located near Swisher, Iowa. Founded in 1988, the center has been serving children, adults, veterans, first responders, caregivers, and individuals with disabilities through therapeutic, educational, and recreational equine programs. The organization’s mission is to foster personal achievement for people facing challenges by providing diverse equine-assisted services that promote confidence, comfort, strength, and community.
As Iowa’s first PATH International Premier Accredited Center, Miracles in Motion maintains high standards for safety, accessibility, and therapeutic programming. Over the years, the organization has served thousands of participants with the support of specially trained therapy horses, miniature horses, and thousands of volunteer hours contributed annually by community members.
About This Program
Miracles in Motion offers a variety of equine-assisted services designed to support individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and developmental challenges. Programs focus on improving independence, physical abilities, emotional well-being, confidence, communication, and life skills through meaningful interactions with horses. Participants work alongside PATH-certified instructors, trained volunteers, and therapy horses in a supportive and encouraging environment.
The center provides adaptive riding classes, adaptive horsemanship programs, hippotherapy services, and specialized programming for military veterans and their families. Each program is tailored to meet individual goals while promoting personal growth, achievement, and community connection.
Services Offered
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding classes
- Adaptive horsemanship programs
- Hippotherapy services
- Equine-assisted activities
- Military Veterans Equine Care Squad (MVECS)
- Ground-based horse interaction programs
- Horse care and grooming education
- Balance and coordination development
- Confidence and self-esteem building
- Social and emotional skill development
- Strength and mobility enhancement
- Recreational equine activities
- Educational equine programs
- Scholarship assistance programs
- Volunteer-supported therapeutic services
Who They Serve
Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center may be good for:
- Children with disabilities
- Teens and adolescents
- Adults with disabilities
- Veterans
- First responders
- Caregivers and family members
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with social or emotional challenges
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions
- Individuals seeking adaptive recreational opportunities
- Families seeking equine-assisted support services
Facility and Setting
Miracles in Motion operates on a 77-acre farm near Swisher, Iowa. The property features fully ADA-accessible facilities, including enclosed and outdoor riding arenas, a sensory riding trail, a climate-controlled indoor arena, observation areas, therapy spaces, accessible mounting equipment, and the recently completed Busse Barn complex with 13 stalls. The facility is specifically designed to accommodate riders with varying abilities and mobility needs.
The center maintains a herd of specially trained therapy horses and miniature horses that support adaptive riding, hippotherapy, and horsemanship programs. Horses are carefully selected and trained to provide safe, positive experiences for participants while helping them achieve therapeutic and personal goals.
What Makes Them Unique
Miracles in Motion stands out as one of Iowa’s longest-running equine-assisted service organizations, having served the community continuously since 1988. The organization’s PATH International Premier Accreditation reflects its commitment to excellence in safety, instructor training, horse welfare, and program quality.
Another distinguishing feature is its comprehensive range of services, including adaptive riding, hippotherapy, adaptive horsemanship, and veteran-focused programming. The center’s extensive ADA-accessible facilities, sensory trail, and dedicated volunteer network allow it to serve a diverse population of participants across eastern Iowa.