Location: Franklinton, Louisiana, United States
Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization based in Franklinton, Louisiana, offering therapeutic riding and horse-assisted learning programs for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities. The program focuses on improving independence, coordination, communication, and emotional well-being through structured interaction with horses in a supportive therapeutic environment.
The center has operated as a community-based nonprofit for many years and provides services that use the horse-human connection as a tool for rehabilitation, learning, and personal growth.
About This Program
Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship Center provides equine-assisted activities designed to support individualized developmental and therapeutic goals. Participants engage in structured sessions that combine mounted therapeutic riding with unmounted horsemanship activities such as grooming, horse handling, and groundwork.
The program is focused on building confidence, physical strength, emotional regulation, and social skills through consistent, guided interaction with horses in a safe and structured setting.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted activities
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Horse grooming and care training
- Groundwork and horse handling skills
- Volunteer-supported riding programs
- Therapeutic recreational riding experiences
Who They Serve
Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship Center may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Individuals with learning differences
- Participants benefiting from structured equine-assisted therapy
Facility and Setting
The program operates in Franklinton, Louisiana, in a rural equestrian setting designed for therapeutic riding and horsemanship activities. The facility includes space for riding instruction, horse handling, and groundwork in a calm, supervised environment.
The setting emphasizes safety, routine, and accessibility, allowing participants to engage with horses in a consistent and supportive outdoor farm environment.
What Makes Them Unique
Happy Trails Therapeutic Horsemanship Center stands out for its long-standing nonprofit presence in Louisiana and its focus on accessible therapeutic riding services for a wide range of disability groups. Its community-based model is supported by volunteers and donors, helping sustain affordable equine-assisted programming.
The program’s emphasis on foundational horsemanship skills combined with therapeutic goals allows participants to develop both practical abilities and personal confidence through repeated, structured engagement with horses.