Manito Life Center
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Manito Life Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at the Manito Centers horse farm in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It offers therapeutic riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. It works with children and adults dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, autism and physical or cognitive disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding and horsemanship
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Student prevention and intervention programs
- Riding lessons, leasing and boarding (Manito Equestrian Center)
- Children and adults
- People affected by trauma or domestic violence
- People with anxiety, depression, grief or loss
- People on the autism spectrum
- People with physical or cognitive disabilities
- Schools and social work agencies
More about this center
About the Program
Manito Life Center was founded by M. Lisa Schadt, R.N., and received its IRS tax exemption in 2005. It shares a farm with Manito Equestrian Center, which offers riding lessons for beginner and advanced riders, leasing and full boarding. The Life Center says it is a PATH International member center.
According to its website, therapeutic riding and horsemanship sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes. They are run by an instructor and may include three or more additional team members, such as support staff and horse handlers.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working toward treatment goals. Equine-assisted learning sessions are run by a team that may include educators, an equine specialist and horse handlers, and can cover topics such as anatomy, nutrition, equine health and farm management. The center lists student programs on conflict resolution, team building, problem solving and peer leadership, and says this work has been well received by schools, social work agencies and local school districts.
The Horses and Staff
The Staff page lists Lisa Schadt as owner; she is a registered nurse and has received training through EAGALA. Christine Keeler, a riding instructor, holds degrees in Western Equestrian Studies and Early Childhood Education from the University of Findlay and a master's in special education from DeSales University. Lydia Brubaker is barn manager and instructor.
The psychotherapy and learning programs draw on a herd of up to 25 horses.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with barn work and herd care, equine-assisted activities, events and horse shows, fundraising, office work and outreach. Volunteers fill out an application and need a PA child abuse clearance and background check. Call 610-433-3707 or email manitoequestriancenter@live.com to ask.
Location
Manito Centers is at 2160 N. Cedar Crest Blvd in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The 60-acre preserved farm has two barns with 27 stalls, including a bank barn from the 1800s with Dutch door stalls, plus a 90 x 140 ft indoor arena with an accessible mounting ramp, a large outdoor arena, seven turnout fields and trails.
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 at Manito Life Center?
Call 610-433-3707 or 610-759-6306, or email manitoequestriancenter@live.com, with questions or to schedule a visit.
Who can take part?
The center works with children and adults, including people affected by trauma, anxiety or depression, children on the autism spectrum and people with physical or cognitive disabilities.
How much do sessions cost?
Contact the center at 610-433-3707 for current rates. See our guide to equine therapy costs for general background.
How long is a therapeutic riding session?
The center says therapeutic riding sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes.
Location
Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104
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.