Helping Horse is a nonprofit therapeutic riding program in North Carolina that has been providing equine-assisted services to children and adults with special needs since 1989. The organization offers therapeutic horseback riding lessons designed to support physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development through structured interaction with horses in an uplifting and inclusive environment.
The program is dedicated to helping riders reach their full potential while experiencing joy, confidence, and connection through relationships with horses and volunteers. Helping Horse focuses on creating a safe and supportive atmosphere where participants can build strength, communication skills, emotional resilience, and independence through adaptive riding experiences.
About This Program
Helping Horse provides group and private therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with a wide variety of physical, mental, emotional, and developmental challenges. Programs are structured to combine riding skills with games and activities that enhance balance, coordination, physical strength, communication, and confidence while encouraging fun and personal achievement.
All lessons take place on horseback and are carefully adapted to each rider’s needs. Participants are matched with appropriate horses, instructors, and volunteers to ensure a safe and supportive experience. The organization serves riders with diagnoses including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, sensory processing disorder, and other developmental or emotional challenges.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Group riding classes
- Private riding instruction
- Equine-assisted activities
- Confidence and communication development
- Balance and coordination support
- Volunteer-supported riding sessions
- Horse-centered social and emotional development
Who They Serve
Helping Horse may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental or cognitive challenges
- Riders with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Participants seeking adaptive riding support
Facility and Setting
Helping Horse operates in Wendell, North Carolina, within a welcoming equestrian environment designed to support therapeutic riding and adaptive horseback riding instruction. The facility includes specially trained horses and riding areas where participants can safely engage in structured equine-assisted activities.
The atmosphere is inclusive, supportive, and community-oriented. Riders benefit from a strong volunteer network and a nonjudgmental environment where they are encouraged to try new goals, develop confidence, and experience meaningful horse-human connections.
What Makes Them Unique
Helping Horse stands out for its long-standing commitment to therapeutic riding and its mission of helping individuals with special needs experience success and joy through horses. Since 1989, the organization has focused on creating a positive and encouraging environment where riders can grow physically, emotionally, and socially.
Another unique aspect is the organization’s strong emphasis on community and volunteer involvement. Carefully trained volunteers, instructors, and therapy horses work together to provide adaptive experiences that foster trust, communication, confidence, and emotional well-being.