H.E.L.P. Horse Empowered Learning Programs
Pflugerville, Texas
H.E.L.P. (Horse Empowered Learning Programs, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the Austin area from Pflugerville, Texas. It offers therapeutic riding, also called adaptive riding, along with horsemanship activities. According to its website, it serves children and adults with a range of physical, mental and emotional disabilities.
- Therapeutic (adaptive) riding
- Horsemanship: riding, grooming and stable care
- Individualized lesson plans
- Phoebe's Scholarship Fund (need-based financial aid)
- Volunteer program with monthly orientation
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical challenges
- People with cognitive challenges
- People with emotional challenges
More about this center
About the Program
H.E.L.P. says it is a PATH Intl. member center. Its instructors design and monitor an individualized lesson plan for each rider, and therapeutic riding goals are set with input from doctors, therapists, teachers and parents to complement a rider's other therapy.
The center lists Phoebe's Scholarship Fund, and families who need help with the cost can apply. A committee reviews applications twice a year.
History
According to its website, Peggy Haecker founded the program in 1984 as a pilot program. It spent 36 years on E. Howard Lane until that property was sold for development in 2021. H.E.L.P. now operates from a temporary facility at Villarreal Ranch Co. near Lake Pflugerville, with a barn, covered arena and pastures, while it looks for a permanent home.
Volunteering
The center says volunteers give more than 4,000 hours a year, helping with clients, horse care, grounds and office work. New volunteers schedule a visit to observe a lesson first, then attend an orientation, typically on the third Saturday of the month.
Location
H.E.L.P. lists its address as 18102 Becker Farm Rd., Pflugerville, TX 78660, a temporary site next to Lake Pflugerville. Its operating hours are listed as Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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 we get started?
The website says the first step is to email the director to schedule a 30-minute tour. The homepage notes that there is currently a waitlist, so ask about intake status when you reach out.
How much do lessons cost?
Call or text (512) 413-4371 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs. Need-based scholarships are available through Phoebe's Scholarship Fund.
Does H.E.L.P. offer hippotherapy or counseling?
Its programs page lists therapeutic riding and horsemanship. Equine-assisted learning and therapies incorporating horses are listed as not currently offered.
How do I contact the center?
Call or text (512) 413-4371 (the site says text is best) or email info@helpcenterofaustin.org.
Location
Pflugerville, Texas 78660
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.