Location: Marietta, South Carolina, United States
Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization based at Eden Farms in Marietta, South Carolina. The program provides therapeutic riding and horse-centered learning experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges, as well as at-risk youth. Its mission is to improve quality of life through meaningful interaction with horses in a structured and supportive environment. (happyhoovessc.com)
Established as a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, Happy Hooves follows nationally recognized standards for safety, instruction, and therapeutic horsemanship. The program operates year-round and serves participants from across the Upstate South Carolina region through individualized, goal-based equine-assisted sessions. (edenfarms.net)
About This Program
Happy Hooves offers equine-assisted services that combine therapeutic riding, horse care, and structured horsemanship education. Participants engage in both mounted and unmounted activities designed to improve balance, coordination, communication, and emotional regulation.
Each session is tailored to the individual’s needs, often including grooming, saddling, leading, riding, and other hands-on horse experiences. The program emphasizes relationship-building between rider and horse as a foundation for therapeutic growth. (happyhoovessc.com)
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Equine-assisted activities
- Horse grooming and care training
- Groundwork and horsemanship skills
- At-risk youth equine programs
- Volunteer-supported riding sessions
- Fundraising and community equine events
Who They Serve
Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
- At-risk youth
- Individuals benefiting from structured equine-assisted therapy
Facility and Setting
Happy Hooves operates at Eden Farms, a large equestrian facility in Marietta, South Carolina, set on approximately 160 acres of pastures, arenas, and wooded land. The facility includes covered and outdoor riding arenas, a large barn, and dedicated spaces for therapeutic programming. (edenfarms.net)
The environment is designed to be safe, structured, and supportive, with horses integrated into a working farm setting. The rural landscape provides a calm and natural backdrop for therapeutic riding and horsemanship activities.
What Makes Them Unique
Happy Hooves stands out for its strong integration with Eden Farms, allowing therapeutic programming to be supported by a full-scale equestrian facility with extensive land, arenas, and infrastructure. This partnership provides stability and year-round access to high-quality riding environments.
Its PATH International Premier Accreditation also reflects a high standard of professionalism in equine-assisted services, ensuring consistent safety protocols and structured therapeutic outcomes for participants.