Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program
East Lansing, Michigan
The Michigan 4-H Proud Equestrians Program (PEP) is a statewide Michigan State University Extension 4-H program that offers therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities, supported by trained volunteers. According to MSU Extension, it serves youth and adults across Michigan through local programs run through county Extension offices.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Riding and horsemanship skill lessons
- Volunteer roles assisting riders
- Local programs coordinated through county MSU Extension offices
- Youth with physical, developmental, emotional or multiple disabilities
- Adults with physical, developmental, emotional or multiple disabilities
- Youth and adult volunteers
More about this center
About the Program
According to MSU Extension, the Michigan program began in 1974 in partnership with Lida McCowan, executive director of the Cheff Center for the Handicapped, with a three-year grant from the W.K. Kellogg and C.S. Mott Foundations. MSU Extension describes PEP as therapeutic riding that can help with balance, coordination, posture and muscle tone, as well as self-confidence, discipline and social skills.
Certified therapeutic riding instructors teach riding, horsemanship and stable management. Local programs are run through county MSU Extension offices, and schedules vary by community. MSU Extension says many meet once or twice a week for eight to ten weeks in spring and fall, some meet only in summer, and some run year-round.
Volunteering
MSU Extension lists several ways to take part: volunteers help riders until they can ride independently, certified therapeutic riding instructors teach, and owners of quiet, suitable horses and ponies can loan, lease or donate them to local programs. It says suitable horses are always needed.
Location
PEP is a statewide program administered by Michigan State University Extension in East Lansing, Michigan. Sessions take place at local sites around the state, and MSU Extension directs families and volunteers to their county MSU Extension office. No program-specific mailing address is published.
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 a rider?
MSU Extension says to contact your county MSU Extension office, or the statewide PEP contact, Dr. Christine Skelly, at skellych@msu.edu or 810-338-8200.
Who can ride?
MSU Extension lists youth and adults with physical, developmental, emotional or multiple disabilities. Local programs may have their own requirements, so check with your county Extension office.
When do sessions run?
Schedules are set locally and vary by community. Your county MSU Extension office can tell you whether a program runs near you and when.
How much does it cost?
Ask your county Extension office or call 810-338-8200. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
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.