Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Edgewood, Texas. Established by Carl and Sonia Hall, the program was inspired by their granddaughter Alyssa, who was born with significant disabilities. Their desire to share the healing power of horses with children and adults facing physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental challenges led to the creation of Horsefeathers. The organization officially launched in 2004 and began classes in 2005, providing therapeutic riding opportunities to individuals throughout Northeast Texas.
The mission of Horsefeathers is to enhance the quality of life for people who are challenged by disabilities or other debilitating life circumstances. Through therapeutic riding, adaptive horsemanship, and equine-assisted activities, participants are encouraged to develop physical abilities, confidence, independence, social skills, and emotional well-being while building meaningful relationships with horses.
About This Program
Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center offers therapeutic riding lessons designed to help riders improve physical, psychological, and social functioning. Participants engage in horseback riding, grooming, mounting, balance exercises, trail patterns, and horsemanship activities tailored to their individual abilities and goals. Each lesson is adapted to meet the specific needs of the rider, allowing for personalized therapeutic benefits.
The organization also operates a Horses for Heroes program that serves veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, and their families. This initiative recognizes the positive impact horses can have on individuals who have served their country and seeks to provide meaningful opportunities for healing, growth, and connection.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Equine-assisted activities
- Therapeutic horsemanship programs
- Horses for Heroes veteran services
- Grooming and horse care education
- Balance and coordination development
- Core strength and muscle control activities
- Confidence and self-esteem building
- Social skills development
- Focus and attention enhancement
- Recreational equine experiences
- Volunteer-supported riding programs
- Individualized rider goal planning
Who They Serve
Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Veterans and military families
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD or ADD
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with learning disabilities
- Individuals with traumatic brain injuries
- Individuals with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis
- Individuals with muscular dystrophy
- Individuals with spina bifida
- Individuals with visual impairments
- Individuals with hearing impairments
- Individuals recovering from stroke or injury
Facility and Setting
Horsefeathers operates from its equestrian facility in Edgewood, Texas, where riders participate in structured therapeutic riding sessions supported by trained instructors, volunteers, horse leaders, and side walkers. The organization maintains a herd of donated therapy horses that are carefully selected for their temperament and suitability for working with riders of varying abilities.
The facility emphasizes horse welfare and lifelong care for its equine partners. Horses are considered an essential part of the therapeutic team and play a critical role in helping participants achieve their goals while developing trust, confidence, and independence.
What Makes Them Unique
Horsefeathers Therapeutic Equestrian Center stands out for its deeply personal origin story and longstanding commitment to serving individuals with disabilities throughout Northeast Texas. What began as one family’s effort to create opportunities for their granddaughter has grown into a respected community resource helping riders of all ages experience the therapeutic benefits of horses.
Another distinguishing feature is the organization’s individualized approach to therapeutic riding. Lessons are customized to each rider’s abilities and goals, allowing participants to work on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development in a supportive environment. The Horses for Heroes program further expands the center’s impact by serving veterans and military families.