Riding with HEART
Pittstown, New Jersey
Riding with HEART (Hunterdon Equine-Assisted Recreation & Therapies) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Green Acres preserved farmland in Pittstown, New Jersey. It offers adaptive therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning and summer programs for children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities. It also runs a program for veterans, first responders and their families.
- Adaptive therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted learning
- Equine-assisted activities and therapies
- Barn Buddies early learning classes (ages 3 to 6)
- BraveHEARTs program for veterans and first responders
- Summer learning programs (ages 5 to 13)
- Children and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities
- Riders with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other diagnoses
- Children, teens and adults facing anxiety, depression or trauma
- Preschool and kindergarten-age children
- Veterans, active-duty military and first responders
- Families of veterans and first responders
- School, Scout and homeschool groups
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the adaptive riding lessons are recreational and shaped around each rider's abilities and goals, working on riding skills along with balance, coordination, confidence and social skills. The site lists riders with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, Fragile X, developmental delays, learning disabilities, sensory processing disorder and traumatic brain injury.
Equine-assisted learning sessions build skills such as trust, communication and respect, and are offered to individuals and to groups including camps, Scouts, homeschool programs and schools. The BraveHEARTs program, created in 2017, serves military members of all branches, veterans, law enforcement and first responders, and can include their families. Sessions are led by an equine specialist. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Barn Buddies is an early learning class for ages 3 to 6 with story time with the horses, crafts, obstacle courses, nature walks and grooming. Summer programs for ages 5 to 13, with and without disabilities, include daily horseback riding, horsemanship, barn chores and team-building games.
The Horses and Staff
The center says it is a Premier Member Center of PATH Intl. and that all of its instructors are PATH certified as well as CPR and First Aid certified. Executive Director Carla Harbourt is a PATH CTRI and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Program Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator Esther Twombly is also a PATH CTRI, and the team includes certified teachers with special education credentials.
The site describes its therapy horses as specially trained.
Volunteering
Volunteers can contact volunteers@ridingwithheart.org, and a volunteer form is posted on the website. The center also holds spring and fall tack sales and accepts donated tack and horse gear.
Location
Riding with HEART is at 639 County Road 513, Pittstown, NJ 08867, in Hunterdon County, on preserved farmland.
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?
The website posts a Rider Participation Form and a participant handbook. For program questions, email programs@ridingwithheart.org or call (908) 735-5912.
What ages does it serve?
Programs serve children, teens and adults. Barn Buddies is for ages 3 to 6, and summer programs are for ages 5 to 13.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (908) 735-5912 or email info@ridingwithheart.org for current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs gives typical ranges.
Is it a nonprofit?
Yes. Riding with HEART is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and IRS records show its tax exemption dates to 2006.
Location
Pittstown, New Jersey 08867
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.