Every Tuesday afternoon, five students from The School at Springbrook arrive at Athelas Therapeutic Riding, Inc. in Otego, NY, with the help of dedicated staff and therapists, they are greeted by warm smiles and gleeful whinnies. This is more than a weekly trip. It is a therapeutic experience made possible through scholarships funded by the Springbrook Foundation. These scholarships give students with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to a life-changing opportunity—therapeutic horsemanship. The scholarship is a gift that reaches far beyond the stable doors.
Each student currently in the program—Charlie, Jacob, Jofre, Myles, and Shirah—brings a unique story, set of goals, and joyful spirit to their lessons. Starting in fall 2024, they’ve visited the stables weekly, riding in small groups to allow each rider focused, 30-minute sessions. While one group rides, the other engages in movement-based activities that continue the therapy in creative, engaging ways.
For Charlie, this program has been transformational. When he first began riding, he struggled to make it around the indoor arena. Now, with time, support, the gentle encouragement of the horses, and the Springbrook and horse stable staff, Charlie can confidently ride laps and even hold the reins to guide his horse through turns and changes in direction. Faye Huntington, a physical therapist at Springbrook, beams with pride at his progress. “It’s not just about the riding,” she says. “It’s about independence, posture, control, and confidence.”
Sessions include therapeutic movements like reaching overhead, clapping, and stretching—each designed to improve strength and balance. Riders use colorful tools like hula-hoops and batons to enhance posture and mobility, often turning the exercises into fun games like “I Spy” or pass-the-color. Every rider is supported by a team: a horse leader and up to three side walkers ensuring safety, encouragement, and engagement at every turn.
Some riders have progressed to outdoor trails, taking in the sights and sounds of nature while practicing balance and navigation. Others remain indoors, mastering the arena with increasing confidence. Every lesson—whether it includes a trot under the sun or a quiet circle indoors—is packed with growth, determination, and connection.
And it is not just the students who benefit. For the staff, families, and volunteers involved, the program is a reminder of the power of opportunity. Students can reapply annually, ensuring that as many people as possible get the chance to ride.
Back in the barn, as horses are brushed down and helmets are packed away, joy echoes throughout the stable. The students may leave the stables tired, but they leave more confident—both in posture and in spirit.
Click the arrows in the gallery below to view photos from the day!
