Nature’s Edge Therapy Center
Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Nature's Edge Therapy Center is a nonprofit therapy center on a 65-acre ranch near Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Licensed speech-language pathologists use hippotherapy, animal-assisted therapy and horticulture alongside outpatient speech therapy. The center serves patients of all ages, including children with autism, adults with Parkinson's or stroke, veterans and seniors.
- Outpatient speech therapy
- Hippotherapy led by licensed speech-language pathologists
- Animal-assisted therapy
- Horticulture therapy
- Diane's House intensive family program
- Veterans program with equine-assisted interactions
- Reminiscing on the Farm summer groups
- Children from age 2, teens and adults
- Autism spectrum
- Cerebral palsy and traumatic brain injury
- Childhood apraxia and dyslexia
- Parkinson's disease and stroke
- Veterans and their caregivers
- Seniors and adults with disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
Nature's Edge was founded in 2001 and received 501(c)(3) status that December. It began with speech therapy and now offers outpatient speech, occupational and/or physical therapy, adding hippotherapy, animal-assisted therapy and horticulture on the ranch. The center lists specialties in autism, nonverbal communication and AAC, childhood apraxia, Parkinson's (LSVT LOUD), aphasia, and feeding and swallowing disorders.
Diane's House is the center's intensive program: a fully accessible, furnished home on site where a patient and family stay, usually for a week, though shorter visits can be arranged. After evaluations on the first day, the schedule can include hippotherapy or equine-assisted therapy, time with other therapy animals, caregiver training, meal preparation, outdoor sensory play and community outings. It accepts children from age 2 with no upper age limit.
Veterans and Seniors
The veterans program invites veterans and their caregivers to work with the center's 47 animals, including horses, goats and chickens. Equine-assisted interactions with experienced facilitators focus on trust, communication and connection with other veterans. See also equine therapy for veterans.
Reminiscing on the Farm brings senior groups and group programs for adults with disabilities to the farm from June to September to meet the animals and share memories, with optional gardening or memory book activities. Family members are welcome.
The Horses and Staff
Founder and director Becky Payne is a speech-language pathologist and hippotherapy clinical specialist (HPCS). The center's speech-language pathologists are licensed in Wisconsin and hold PATH Intl. instructor certifications. Nature's Edge is a PATH Intl. member center, and an equine supervisor, barn manager and barn assistants care for the horses.
Getting Started
Outpatient therapy requires a physician's order for "Speech Therapy to Evaluate and Treat." Families send the new patient intake form, the prescription and any records such as an IEP or prior therapy reports by email, mail or fax. The therapist then contacts the family to schedule an evaluation of about two hours, followed by an individualized treatment plan.
Location
Nature's Edge Therapy Center is at 2523 14 3/4 Ave, Rice Lake, WI 54868, on a 65-acre ranch. Visits and volunteer times must be scheduled by calling (715) 859-6670; the center does not accept walk-in visitors.
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.
Do I need a referral to start therapy?
Yes. Outpatient therapy and Diane's House both need a doctor's prescription for speech therapy, sent with the intake forms. A therapist then contacts the family to schedule an evaluation.
Does the center accept insurance?
The center says it accepts most private insurance and bills the insurer directly, with co-pays and deductibles due at the time of service. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. Call (715) 859-6670 to ask about current rates.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers help with animal care, tack, gardening, fundraising and as side walkers during hippotherapy sessions. Start by completing the volunteer intake and background check forms on the center's website.
Location
Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868
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.