NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program
Las Cruces, New Mexico
The NMSU Therapeutic Riding Program is part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. It lists therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy and hippotherapy. According to its website, it works with children and adults with physical, mental, emotional or behavioral challenges.
- Therapeutic riding
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Occupational therapy in an equine environment (hippotherapy) through MECA, LLC
- Volunteer opportunities, including for NMSU students
- Children
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with mental, emotional or behavioral challenges
More about this center
About the Program
The program describes therapeutic riding as a way to support cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being for people with special needs, along with recreation and time outdoors. It says professional staff and volunteers work closely with each client.
Equine-assisted learning uses goal-oriented activities with horses. For both equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted psychotherapy, the website says sessions are led by a New Mexico licensed mental health counselor working with an equine specialist or a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. It says the counselor who leads psychotherapy sessions is certified through EAGALA.
Occupational therapy in an equine environment (hippotherapy) is offered through a partnership with MECA, LLC. The program says MECA's physical, occupational, speech, developmental and family therapists bring their own clients and pair with an equine specialist to lead sessions with goals similar to their other therapy work.
The Facility and Staff
Lessons take place at the NMSU Equestrian Center on Stewart Street. The program says the site has handicapped parking, a sidewalk to an air-conditioned building with restrooms, showers, lockers and a classroom, and shaded bleachers around the arena where family members can watch. A covered arena was added in 2015; a parent told local public radio station KRWG that the cover reduces lessons canceled for bad weather and cuts down on sun and heat during rides.
The program's faculty page lists Hannah Bilovesky as College Instructor of Equine Science and Director of Therapeutic Riding. The program says its income comes from lessons and donations, and gifts can be made through the NMSU Foundation.
Location
NMSU Equestrian Center, 750 Stewart Street, Las Cruces, NM 88003, near Union Avenue on the New Mexico State University campus. Parking is off Stewart Street.
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 as a rider?
The program asks anyone interested in becoming a therapeutic riding client to email trp@nmsu.edu.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (575) 646-2929 or email trp@nmsu.edu to ask about current rates.
How does hippotherapy work here?
It is provided through MECA, LLC, whose therapists bring their own clients to the arena and work alongside an equine specialist. Families interested in hippotherapy may want to contact MECA as well as the program.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The program directs volunteers to reach out through its Facebook page. Its director's NMSU curriculum vitae says she organizes and trains student volunteers.
Location
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
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.