Location: Shelby, North Carolina, United States
Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program is an equine-assisted services center in Shelby, North Carolina, offering therapeutic riding, ground-based horsemanship, and animal-assisted activities in a supportive and structured environment. The program is built around the belief that interaction with horses can help individuals improve confidence, coordination, emotional regulation, and overall quality of life through guided, relationship-based learning.
This is a community-focused therapeutic riding program that serves a wide range of individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional needs. With a strong emphasis on accessibility and individualized support, Hearts and Hooves provides a safe and encouraging space where participants can grow through meaningful interactions with horses.
About This Program
Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program serves riders and participants through equine-assisted activities designed to support therapeutic, educational, and developmental goals. The program includes both mounted and unmounted activities, allowing individuals to engage with horses in ways that match their abilities and comfort levels.
The overall approach is structured yet flexible. Participants are guided through activities that help build physical strength, balance, communication skills, and emotional resilience while working in a calm and supportive equestrian setting.
Services Offered
• Therapeutic riding
• Equine-assisted activities
• Ground-based horsemanship
• Grooming and horse care instruction
• Adaptive riding support
• Animal-assisted learning activities
Who They Serve
• Children
• Teens
• Adults
• Individuals with physical disabilities
• Individuals with developmental or cognitive challenges
• Individuals with emotional or behavioral needs
• Participants with neurological or sensory conditions
• Veterans and individuals seeking therapeutic support
Facility and Setting
Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program is based in Shelby, North Carolina. The facility provides a rural equestrian setting designed for safe and structured therapeutic riding activities, with spaces for both mounted lessons and groundwork with horses.
The environment is calm and supportive, offering participants the opportunity to build trust and confidence while engaging in consistent, guided equine interactions. The setting is focused on accessibility and comfort for riders of all abilities.
What Makes Them Unique
Hearts and Hooves stands out for its wide-ranging inclusivity, serving individuals with a diverse set of physical, emotional, and developmental needs. The program emphasizes adaptability, ensuring that each participant receives support tailored to their abilities and goals.
Another key strength is its combination of mounted and unmounted equine-assisted activities, which allows participants to engage with horses in multiple meaningful ways beyond traditional riding instruction.