Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills
Darien, Wisconsin
SMILES (Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills) is a nonprofit equine-assisted program on 35 acres in Darien, Wisconsin. It offers therapeutic riding, unmounted horse care lessons and group visits for people with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities, ages 4 and up. The center says it has been a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center since 2000.
- Therapeutic/adaptive riding
- HEARTS unmounted horsemanship
- Equine Education Experiences (one-time group visits)
- Sensory trail and sensory garden
- Children and adults ages 4 and up
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with emotional disabilities
- People with sensory or learning disabilities (group visits)
More about this center
About the Program
Riding lessons are skill-based and run 45 minutes once a week, in small groups of up to six riders with trained volunteers. Instructors tailor each lesson to the rider's goals, such as balance, strength, communication and social skills.
HEARTS (Horse Experiences and Activities Resulting in Therapeutic Success) is a ground-based option for riders and non-riders. In weekly 30-minute one-on-one sessions, participants learn horse care, safe handling and how to communicate with horses.
Equine Education Experiences are one-time visits for groups of 4 to 18 people with physical, cognitive, sensory or learning disabilities. Each participant rotates through three 30-minute stations: therapeutic riding, unmounted activities and horse nutrition. Participants need medical clearance from a licensed physician.
Schedule and Costs
Programming runs in four 8-week sessions a year (winter, spring, summer and fall), with classes Monday through Saturday at varying times. Therapeutic riding is $480 for eight 45-minute classes, HEARTS is $300 for eight 30-minute classes, and an Equine Education Experience is $60 per person.
SMILES accepts private payment by cash, check or credit card, and third-party funding through Wisconsin's Children's Long-Term Support (CLTS) and IRIS programs. The donor-funded Sherry Monty Scholarship Fund helps cover part of the cost of therapeutic riding or HEARTS for up to two sessions a year, and families who need help with the cost can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
The Facility and Staff
The property has a 20-stall barn, an indoor arena with geothermal climate control, an outdoor arena, and a viewing area where families can watch lessons. Accessibility features include paved parking, automatic doors, a wheelchair ramp mount and a SureHands lift for riders who need more help mounting.
Lessons are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Program Coordinator Katie Luessenhop is a PATH Intl. CTRI and Certified Mentor, and Amanda Jones is listed as executive director.
Volunteers help with every lesson. No experience is needed, and training is provided.
History
Founder Sherry Monty started SMILES in 1985 with four borrowed horses and four borrowed saddles, offering weekly sessions for people with special needs. In 1990 she bought 35 acres to build the current facility.
Location
SMILES is at N2666 County Road K, Darien, WI 53114. The 35-acre property includes hay fields and an outdoor sensory trail.
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 at SMILES?
Submit the New Client Information Sheet from the center's website to join the waitlist. When a spot opens, SMILES schedules an in-person evaluation that includes a tour and goal-setting.
What are the age and eligibility requirements?
Participants must be at least 4 years old and within the program's weight limits. Full guidelines are in the Client Handbook on the website.
Does SMILES accept CLTS or IRIS funding?
Yes. SMILES accepts Children's Long-Term Support and IRIS funding, and scholarships are available.
How do I contact SMILES?
Call (262) 882-3470 or email inquiries@visitsmiles.org. For classes, fees and scholarships, email classes@visitsmiles.org or call option 2.
Location
Darien, Wisconsin 53114
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.