Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc.
Kingsport, Tennessee
Small Miracles Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a Christian-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Kingsport, Tennessee, that has offered equine-assisted services since 1995. It runs a therapeutic riding program for children and adults with special needs, a trauma-informed program for at-risk youth, and Horses Empower Heroes for veterans and active service members.
- Therapeutic horsemanship (individual lessons)
- Mounted and unmounted equine-assisted activities
- Positive Youth Development program (trauma-informed)
- Horses Empower Heroes program for veterans
- Volunteer opportunities
- Internships
- Children and adults with special needs (ages 4 and up)
- At-risk and underserved youth
- Young people who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences
- Veterans
- Active service members
More about this center
About the Program
In the Therapeutic Horsemanship Program, riders from age 4 through adulthood take individual lessons that mix mounted and unmounted activities. According to its website, lesson goals are set with caregivers and the rider's medical and mental health professionals, such as physical, occupational, speech and behavioral therapists.
The Positive Youth Development Program uses trauma-informed, experiential activities with horses to build social-emotional, leadership and work or college-readiness skills. The center says this program is offered pro bono.
Horses Empower Heroes serves veterans and active service personnel dealing with challenges such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, moral injury and combat injuries. Sessions include one-on-one time with a horse, group arena activities and horse care. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
The team page lists Sherri Russell as executive and program director and a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), and Deborah Ferraro as a PATH CTRI. Other staff include a barn and facility manager, equine assistants and instructors in training. Two veterinarians serve as equine advisors and a physician as medical advisor. The center describes itself as a member of PATH Intl.
History
Mary Smith, RN, started Small Miracles as a pilot program in 1995, and it officially opened in Church Hill, Tennessee, in January 1996. In 1999 the organization bought and built its own facility in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The center says it serves about 300 people a year and keeps a waitlist.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 14 or older. No horse experience is needed, and training is provided at the facility. Volunteers help as side walkers and horse handlers in lessons and assist with events, fundraising, office work and grounds. Experienced horse people can also help with feeding and horse care. To schedule an orientation, call 423-349-1111 or email sherrism13@gmail.com.
Location
Small Miracles is at 1026 Rock Springs Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664, in the Southern Appalachian region of northeast Tennessee.
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 enroll a rider?
The website offers a participant application form. Call 423-349-1111 or email sherrism13@gmail.com to ask about openings, since the center keeps a waitlist.
What ages does the riding program serve?
The Therapeutic Horsemanship Program serves riders from age 4 through adulthood.
How much do lessons cost?
Contact the center at 423-349-1111 or sherrism13@gmail.com for current rates. The Positive Youth Development Program is offered pro bono. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can veterans take part?
Yes. Horses Empower Heroes is a dedicated program for veterans and active service personnel.
Location
Kingsport, Tennessee 37664
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.