HorseSense
La Crosse, Wisconsin
HorseSense is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the La Crosse area of Wisconsin that has offered horse programs for people with and without disabilities for more than 30 years. It provides adaptive riding, unmounted horsemanship and equine-assisted learning for youth, adults, military veterans and their families.
- Adaptive riding (private and group lessons)
- Unmounted horsemanship and ground work
- One-time outings for individuals and small groups
- HorseSense for Heroes (free for military families)
- Hoof & Heart Connections equine-assisted learning for groups
- Scholarships and the No Barriers Fund
- Children ages 4 and up
- Adults
- People with cognitive, physical or psychological disabilities
- People without a diagnosis
- Veterans and active duty service members
- Military families, including Gold Star families
- School, youth, homeschool and day service groups
More about this center
About the Program
HorseSense describes its therapeutic riding lessons as adaptive riding and says all lessons are taught by a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor. Private lessons suit riders who need more support or a quieter setting. Group lessons pair each rider with a horse leader and one or two side walkers. One-time outings are open to groups of up to six, and minors must be with an adult.
HorseSense for Heroes offers weekly adaptive lessons and one-time outings for veterans, active duty members and their families. The center says these services are free, and veterans do not need a VA disability rating to take part. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
Hoof & Heart Connections is a fully unmounted equine-assisted learning program for groups of 6 to 10, held in 2-hour slots on Fridays. It is open to all abilities and no diagnosis is required.
The Horses and Staff
The Horses page lists 11 horses, including two miniature horses. Bud, who joined in 2009, is the longest-serving member of the herd.
The staff page lists Ashley Adams, CTRI, Director of Advancement; Christy Lowell, CTRI, ESMHL, Director of Operations; and Sam Harding, CTRI, Director of Administration, who handles volunteer and rider programming. Brooklynn Scholze, CTRI, also teaches.
Getting Started
To enroll in adaptive riding, families fill out the registration request form on the HorseSense website, and the Director of Administration follows up with paperwork. Lesson slots are filled first come, first served. Programs, tours and visits are by appointment only.
Funding may be available through partner agencies, including county CLTS Waiver programs (La Crosse, Vernon and Monroe), Wisconsin IRIS, My Choice Wisconsin and others. Scholarships are available for riders who do not qualify through those agencies; email info@horsesensewi.org to ask.
Location
HorseSense left its longtime Coon Valley property after the land was sold and has moved its horses to Deep Roots Community Farm. Its contact page lists the physical address as 4406 County Road YY, La Crosse, WI 54601, with mail going to PO Box 906, La Crosse, WI 54602. Call (608) 518-5356 or email info@horsesensewi.org to confirm the current lesson schedule before visiting.
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 old do riders need to be?
Riders must be at least 4. There is no maximum age as long as the rider can be safely helped on and off the horse; riders who cannot can still do ground work and tacking.
Does HorseSense for Heroes cost anything?
No. The center says all HorseSense for Heroes services are free, and Gold Star families ride free. Sessions must be scheduled in advance.
How do I sign up?
Complete the registration request form on the HorseSense website, or call (608) 518-5356 or email info@horsesensewi.org. Ask about the current lesson schedule at the new site when you get in touch.
Location
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
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.