Safe Haven Farms Equestrian Center
Middletown, Ohio
Safe Haven Farms is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit near Middletown, Ohio, that provides residential, day and community services in a farm setting for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Its equestrian program offers therapeutic riding and unmounted horse activities for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and riders do not need to live at the farm or attend its day program.
- Therapeutic riding
- Therapeutic equestrian interaction (unmounted) for those not yet ready to ride
- Indoor and outdoor riding arenas
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults with developmental disabilities
- Riders ages 6 and up
- Adults with autism and other developmental disabilities (residential and day services)
- Community members who are not farm residents
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the equestrian program offers therapeutic riding, along with therapeutic equestrian interaction for people who are not yet ready to ride. Participants must be at least 6 years old. Lessons take place in an indoor riding arena and a nearby outdoor arena, both with viewing areas so parents can watch their children ride.
Getting Started
New riders complete a Participant's Application and Health History, a Physician's Statement, and a Waiver of Liability with Photo and Emergency Medical Release, all available on the Equestrian page of the center's website. For questions about scheduling and current rates, use the contact form on the website or call 513-230-3856.
Volunteering
Volunteers can help for as little as 1 to 2 hours a week, with training provided. They must be at least 15, able to walk for 30 to 45 minutes and jog short distances of 20 to 30 feet. Side walkers walk beside the horse and assist the rider and need no horse experience. Horse leaders help the rider groom and tack the horse before class and lead the horse during class under the direction of a certified instructor; they need some horse experience. A volunteer application is on the Equestrian page.
History
A group of local parents founded Safe Haven Farms in 2007 in response to a lack of residential and vocational services for adults with developmental disabilities. The group bought the farm in 2009, finished its residences in 2010 and opened the Hatton Center in early 2011. A barn renovation in 2012 and 2013 added the indoor and outdoor riding arenas. The farm partners with ViaQuest Solutions for Independence on a day program that can serve up to 35 adults a day.
Location
Safe Haven Farms is at 5970 No Mans Road, Middletown, OH 45042, on about 60 acres in Madison Township, Butler County.
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.
Do riders have to live at Safe Haven Farms?
No. The website says riders need not be residents or day program participants at the farm.
What is the minimum age to ride?
Participants must be at least 6 years old.
How do I sign up?
Download and complete the participant application, physician's statement and waiver from the Equestrian page, then reach the farm through its contact form or at 513-230-3856.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 513-230-3856 or use the website contact form to ask about current rates.
Location
Middletown, Ohio 45042
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.