Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Strongwater Farm Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, about 20 miles north of Boston. It provides equine-assisted services to people ages 4 to 90 with special needs, disabilities and other conditions, along with programs for veterans and outside groups.
- Private one-hour lessons
- Small group lessons (2 to 3 people)
- Riding lessons for all levels
- Horse care and grooming
- Veterans programs with the Bedford VA
- Customized programs for outside groups
- Group visits for seniors with dementia
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- Behavioral health conditions
- Veterans age 18 and older
- People with substance use disorders
- Seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia
- Schools and care facilities
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Strongwater began in 1997 when local citizens started offering small equestrian events for patients at Tewksbury Hospital, later leading to a permanent facility there. The farm says it is one of two centers in northeast Massachusetts with Premier Center accreditation from PATH Intl.
Each lesson series is customized to the participant. Activities listed include observing and interacting with horses, grooming, learning tack and safety skills, and riding lessons for all levels.
Veterans and Community Partners
Strongwater says it partners with the Edith Nourse Rogers VA Hospital in Bedford, including the VA's program for formerly homeless veterans, serving veterans dealing with challenges from PTSD to substance use. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The farm also builds programs for schools, elder care facilities, rehabilitation centers and law enforcement groups, and hosts visits for senior living residents with Alzheimer's and dementia.
Getting Started
New participants submit a registration form, which staff review. An in-person assessment follows to decide between group or private lessons. The website says enrollment depends on need and available resources.
Location
Strongwater Farm is at 500 Livingston St., Tewksbury, MA 01876 (mailing address P.O. Box 754). The website says the farm sits on 12 acres leased from the Commonwealth, with use of about 450 adjacent conservation acres.
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 enroll?
Submit the registration form on the farm's website. Staff review it and schedule an in-person assessment to decide on group or private lessons.
How much do lessons cost?
The center publishes its current tuition on its website. It lists a monthly payment plan (not for the summer session) and says it does not bill insurance directly.
What ages does Strongwater serve?
The website says it serves individuals ages 4 to 90. Veterans programs serve veterans age 18 and older.
How do I contact the farm?
Call (978) 851-5540 or use the contact form on strongwaterfarm.org. The farm asks people to contact it directly for current hours.
Location
Tewksbury, Massachusetts 01876
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.