Indera at Doc Marshall Farm
Chittenango, New York
Indera at Doc Marshall Farm, formerly ARISE at the Farm, is an 85-acre farm in Chittenango, New York, run by Indera, the Central New York disability services agency formed when ARISE and Exceptional Family Resources merged. It offers horseback riding lessons, cart driving, groundwork and a summer horsemanship program for children and adults with disabilities. Indera's website shows the farm as a PATH Intl. Center Member.
- Adaptive and therapeutic riding lessons
- Groundwork and horse handling lessons
- Accessible horse cart driving
- Summer horsemanship program
- Therapeutic and inclusive recreation
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Wheelchair users
- Day habilitation groups
More about this center
About the Program
According to Indera's website, riding lessons combine adaptive riding, which builds skills such as steering, posting and trotting, with therapeutic riding focused on balance and fine motor control. Lessons run year-round in five-week sessions, Monday through Saturday. Staff have said riders have ranged from about two and a half years old to 90.
Groundwork lessons teach grooming, tacking, leading and handling horses, and have no weight limit. Staff said groundwork is also offered to people who cannot ride for medical reasons. The farm's accessible carts let participants ride or learn to drive, in spring, summer and fall, weather permitting.
The summer horsemanship program runs Monday through Friday, 9am to 2pm, in one-week sessions from the last week of June through July. Each day includes a riding lesson plus lessons on horse care, grooming, tacking and the parts of the horse. The first week is a "Varsity" session for experienced participants.
The Farm and Horses
Staff described the farm as 85 acres with an indoor arena, an outdoor arena, two barns, riding trails, a 5/8-mile dirt track for cart driving and a paved track with benches. The website also lists a sensory trail. Staff said the farm keeps about 22 horses, more in summer, and that riders who use wheelchairs can mount from a ramp. The site says the horses are trained to be calm around wheelchairs and other equipment.
The farm was developed by a veterinarian, Doc Marshall, who donated the property to ARISE over about 25 years, according to the podcast.
Getting Started
New and returning participants complete a rider application each year. Staff said a doctor's note is required and that the business manager confirms funding before lessons begin. Before the first lesson, riders visit the farm so staff can match a horse and tack. Staff cited a 180-pound weight limit for riding, with exceptions at the farm's discretion.
The website lists riding lessons at $125 per hour. The website lists self-pay, Self-Direction budgets and FSS funding as payment options. Volunteers help as sidewalkers, and staff said training happens on site with no experience required.
Location
The farm is at 1972 New Boston Road, Chittenango, NY 13037, in rural Madison County east of Syracuse. Indera's main offices are in Syracuse.
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 for riding lessons?
Complete the current year's rider application on Indera's website and provide a doctor's note. Staff then confirm funding and arrange a visit.
How much do lessons cost?
The website lists riding lessons at $125 per hour; call to confirm current rates. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is there a weight limit?
Staff cited a 180-pound limit for riding, with exceptions at the farm's discretion. Groundwork and cart driving are options for people above the limit.
How do I contact the farm?
Call farm manager Laura Little at (315) 687-6727 or email llittle@contactefr.org. For the summer horsemanship program, call or text (315) 671-5110.
Location
Chittenango, New York 13037
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.