Location: Pflugerville, Texas, United States
HELP (Horse Empowered Learning Programs) is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization based in Pflugerville, Texas, offering therapeutic riding and horse-centered learning experiences for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges. The program focuses on building independence, confidence, emotional regulation, and life skills through structured interaction with horses in a supportive therapeutic environment.
Founded in 1984, H.E.L.P. serves the greater Austin area and operates as a community-based therapeutic riding center supported by PATH International–credentialed instructors and trained volunteers. The program emphasizes the healing connection between humans and horses, using individualized instruction and consistent routines to support participant growth.
About This Program
HELP provides equine-assisted services designed to meet the unique needs of each participant. Sessions include both mounted therapeutic riding and unmounted horsemanship activities, allowing individuals to develop riding skills, emotional awareness, and physical coordination in a structured setting.
The program incorporates individualized lesson plans and goal-based learning, often working in partnership with mental health professionals and certified instructors to support a wide range of developmental and therapeutic needs.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Horse grooming and stable management skills
- Groundwork and horse handling activities
- Volunteer-supported therapeutic programs
Who They Serve
HELP Horse Empowered Learning Programs may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities
- Individuals with learning differences
- Individuals with mental health challenges
- Participants seeking structured equine-assisted therapy
Facility and Setting
HELP operates in the Pflugerville, Texas area on a working therapeutic equestrian property that includes a covered arena, barn facilities, and multiple pastures. The environment is designed for safe, structured interaction between participants and horses, with spaces for both riding lessons and groundwork activities.
The setting is community-oriented and volunteer-supported, emphasizing consistency, accessibility, and hands-on learning in a calm equine environment.
What Makes Them Unique
HELP stands out for its long history of service in the Austin-area community and its integration of multiple equine-assisted modalities, including therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. This multi-layered approach allows participants to receive both skill-based and emotionally supportive equine experiences within one program.
Its strong volunteer foundation and individualized instruction model help ensure that participants receive consistent support tailored to their personal goals and abilities.