Hilltop Horizons
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Hilltop Horizons is a nonprofit therapeutic equestrian center in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and a PATH Intl. Member Center. It offers adaptive riding, occupational and speech therapy sessions that use the horse's movement, equine-assisted learning for groups, and wellness groups for pre-teens, teens and young adults. Its website lists autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and intellectual and developmental disabilities among the conditions it commonly serves.
- Adaptive riding (group or 1:1)
- Occupational therapy with a licensed OT (1:1 or group)
- Speech therapy with a licensed speech therapist (1:1)
- Equine-assisted learning for groups
- THRIVE equine-assisted wellness groups
- Tails & Trails early learning program (ages 2 to 6)
- Annual horse show
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cerebral palsy
- ADHD
- Down syndrome
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Pre-teens, teens and young adults (wellness groups)
- School, youth and community groups
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons are taught by a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and can include grooming, tacking, leading, riding and horse care. The center says it teaches horsemanship and is not a therapy provider in its riding program.
Occupational therapy is offered in 1:1 and group sessions with a licensed occupational therapist, and speech therapy in 1:1 sessions with a licensed speech therapist. Both use the horse's movement and the outdoor setting to work toward daily living and communication goals. Several team members have completed hippotherapy training through the American Hippotherapy Association. The therapy is out-of-network, and the center provides a Superbill families can submit to insurance themselves.
Equine-assisted learning is a 90-minute unmounted group session for schools, sports teams, youth programs and group homes. THRIVE wellness groups meet weekly for 90 minutes over six weeks, with 6 to 8 participants of similar age, and are led by a licensed occupational therapy practitioner and an equine specialist. Tails & Trails is a 10-week Wednesday morning nature and horse program for children ages 2 to 6, with a caregiver attending.
Costs
Group adaptive riding is $360 and 1:1 riding is $480 per 8-week session. Occupational and speech therapy use a sliding scale of $640 to $960 per 8-week session. THRIVE groups are $270 per 6-week group, and Tails & Trails is $450. Equine-assisted learning is $280 for a one-time session or $240 per session with a multi-session commitment, for up to 8 participants. Scholarships can cover up to 75% of the cost, and families who need help can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
The Horses and Staff
Founder and executive director Ainsley Dillon, PhD, OTR/L, HPCS, is also a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health. Program coordinator Suzy Hardman is the lead PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. The therapy team includes speech therapist Maureen O'Brien, MS, CCC-SLP, and occupational therapy assistant Jessica Collins, COTA/L. The herd includes Quarter Horses, Appaloosas, a Paint, a Haflinger and a pony.
Location
Hilltop Horizons is at 103 Littell Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001, in Beaver County in western Pennsylvania.
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 get started?
Join the waitlist through the Participate page on the center's website, then fill out an availability form before each 8-week session. When a spot opens, you complete intake paperwork and a discovery session visit to confirm the right program.
Does the center take insurance?
No. Occupational and speech therapy are out-of-network, but the center provides a Superbill families can submit for reimbursement.
How can I contact Hilltop Horizons?
Call 724-201-1273 or email info@hilltophorizons.org.
Location
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 15001
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.