Courtney Cares (Courtney Grimshaw Equine Therapeutic Program)
College Station, Texas
Courtney Cares is the Courtney Grimshaw equine-assisted services program of the Texas A&M Institute for Equine Sciences, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, in College Station, Texas. It serves children and adults with physical and cognitive conditions, and veterans, in the Brazos Valley.
- Equine-assisted activities and therapeutic horsemanship
- Equine-assisted therapy, including hippotherapy, with physical therapists on staff
- Equine Services for Heroes (veterans)
- Volunteer training for side-walkers and horse handlers
- Children with physical or cognitive conditions
- Adults with physical or cognitive conditions
- Veterans
More about this center
About the Program
The program is named for Courtney Grimshaw Fowler, a Texas A&M graduate and horsewoman. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, her family worked with the university to start it, and it has served families since 2012. In fall 2024 it moved from the vet school to the Institute for Equine Sciences.
Courtney Cares says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. Its contact page lists five PATH Intl. certified instructors, two of whom are physical therapists, and its program website lists hippotherapy among its offerings. Lessons use horses from the Corps of Cadets' Parsons Mounted Cavalry.
Getting Started
The 2021 participant handbook describes online registration, medical forms and, for equine-assisted therapy, a physician's prescription for physical therapy, followed by a screening. Returning participants are scheduled first and open spots go to the waitlist.
The handbook lists 45-minute sessions. For fall 2026 the program lists sessions on Wednesday and Thursday mornings from September 23 to November 12, and veterans sessions on Wednesday evenings from September 23 to November 11.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as side-walkers and horse handlers after training, and anyone who works with horses or participants must complete a background check, according to the handbook. The fall 2026 calendar lists side-walker training on September 9-10 and horse handler training on September 16-17.
Location
Sessions take place at the Parsons Mounted Cavalry Arena, 3748 F&B Road, College Station, TX 77840, according to the program's contact page.
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?
Complete the online registration and medical forms, then staff schedule a screening. If no spot is open you join the waitlist.
What ages can participate?
The 2021 handbook lists a minimum age of 2 for equine-assisted therapy, including hippotherapy, and 4 for therapeutic horsemanship.
How much does it cost?
A January 2024 Texas A&M Today article described it as a free program; call 979-344-4673 or email info@courtneycares.org to confirm. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is there a program for veterans?
Yes. For fall 2026, Equine Services for Heroes lists veterans sessions on Wednesday evenings from September 23 to November 11, according to the program's website.
Location
College Station, Texas 77840
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.