Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship is an equine-assisted mental health and adaptive riding practice located in Marshall, North Carolina, serving the greater Asheville area. The organization provides trauma-informed, evidence-based equine-assisted psychotherapy, therapeutic horseback riding, and traditional counseling services for children, teens, adults, and families. Through meaningful interactions with horses, Cornerstone helps clients build emotional awareness, resilience, confidence, and healthy relationships in a safe and supportive environment.
Founded by licensed clinical social worker and PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Carisa Hooks, MSW, LCSW, Cornerstone combines professional mental health care with the healing power of horses. Programs are designed to support individuals experiencing anxiety, trauma, behavioral challenges, life transitions, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other emotional or developmental needs.
About This Program
Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship offers both equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding, allowing clients to receive services that best meet their individual needs. Equine-assisted psychotherapy consists of ground-based activities with horses facilitated by a licensed therapist, helping participants explore emotions, develop coping skills, strengthen relationships, and improve emotional regulation. Insurance is accepted for this clinical service.
The organization also provides adaptive therapeutic horseback riding taught by a PATH International Certified Riding Instructor. Riding sessions are designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental challenges and focus on improving balance, coordination, confidence, communication, and independence. Cornerstone is also an approved provider for North Carolina’s Disability Grant Program and offers traditional in-office counseling for those who prefer a conventional therapeutic setting.
Services Offered
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Individual equine-assisted therapy sessions
- Group equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Traditional in-office counseling
- Trauma-informed mental health counseling
- Anxiety and depression support
- PTSD and trauma recovery services
- Emotional regulation skill development
- ADHD and behavioral support
- Autism spectrum support
- Family counseling
- NC Disability Grant Program classes
Who They Serve
Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship may be good for:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder
- Children and teens with ADHD
- Individuals with behavioral challenges
- Individuals with anxiety or depression
- Individuals recovering from trauma or PTSD
- Children experiencing school-related stress
- Individuals with emotional regulation difficulties
- Families experiencing conflict or life transitions
- Adoptive and foster families
- Individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental disabilities
- Adults seeking equine-assisted mental health services
Facility and Setting
Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship operates at 286 Paul Gosnell Road, Marshall, North Carolina, in a peaceful rural environment where horses play an active role in the therapeutic process. Clients participate in both mounted and ground-based sessions designed to foster trust, mindfulness, communication, and personal growth while interacting with specially selected therapy horses.
Programs are facilitated by a licensed clinical social worker with extensive experience in special education, foster care, adoption, and therapeutic riding. Sessions integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches—including cognitive-behavioral, attachment-based, and somatic principles—with experiential learning alongside horses.
What Makes Them Unique
Cornerstone Therapeutic Horsemanship is unique in its integration of licensed mental health counseling with PATH International-certified therapeutic riding. By offering both clinical psychotherapy and adaptive horseback riding, the organization provides a comprehensive approach that addresses emotional, behavioral, developmental, and physical needs through individualized treatment plans.
Another distinguishing feature is founder Carisa Hooks’ background as a National Board-Certified special education teacher, foster and adoptive parent, licensed clinical social worker, and PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Her professional and personal experience has shaped a program specifically designed to help children, families, and individuals who may not have thrived in traditional therapeutic settings.