A horse is a horse, of course, of course—unless that horse is your trusty sidekick in therapy. Horses are amazing animals, they’re not just pretty faces; they’re ultra responsive and love to help out. Their calming presence can work wonders for both the human body and mind. There are all sorts of equine-assisted therapy programs led by pros who guide clients in activities with horses, and many of them are right here in our neigh-borhood. Each program has its own vibe and focus, whether it’s part of mental health treatment or a fun way to incorporate riding into physical or occupational therapy.


Equilibrium at TerraNova

Libby Neily instructs a camper to lead a horse through an obstacle course during Mini Horsemanship Camp during The Event at TerraNova.

Equilibrium at TerraNova is committed to helping people find balance and foster personal growth through mindfulness, partnership and connections with horses and the natural world. Their equine-assisted programs emphasize connection and draw inspiration from the unique qualities of horses. Libby Neily is a Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Instructor and the founder of The Mindful Horse Program, a mindfulness-based curriculum teaching connected horsemanship to both children and adults. At Equilibrium at TerraNova Neily helps students develop a compassionate partnership based on an understanding of how horses think and communicate. 

“I’ve been an equine professional for about 30 years, giving lessons and training horses, and I’ve loved it. But what I really enjoy now is working with the horses themselves and horses that are struggling with behavioral issues, maybe having a hard time understanding their humans and vice versa,” she says. “Just being that conduit between the horse and the human understanding each other is really what I thrive on.” Neily believes that there is a mystical essence to horses. “I think it’s because they are huge and sometimes intimidating, but when you get to know them, the gentleness, the quietness, the eagerness to please, they’re just there to understand and to make sure they’re going to be safe with you,” she explains. “There’s this interesting dance that happens where you try to help them. They understand what your intentions are and you help them feel safe, and then that also helps you become more comfortable with them because you’re starting to understand what their needs are as well.” 

Horses can help children become confident when communicating with adults and their peers.

Neily’s mindful horse program at TerraNova began about a year ago. “TerraNova is beyond a show facility; they have a community with all these incredible athletes but to their credit, they wanted to go beyond that and create a program where individuals can learn about horses and what they mean to us and help us better ourselves as humans,” she says. Neily believes social emotional learning is a way for us to better understand how we think and feel. “It’s a great tool when we’re working with horses to teach people and help them understand the emotion they are feeling is projecting out to the horse and so then they can start regulating those emotions by breathing and taking down their energy,” she says. “When that happens, you see the instant reaction from the horse–it’s almost like they’re saying in real time, ‘You’ve got it, I see that you changed.’ And so it’s a great way to learn those types of skills without being in a room with teachers and white boards.” The outreach that Neily has been doing with her program mostly involves working with school children. Through this work, reluctant readers, for example, can enjoy reading out loud to mini horses which helps them to feel comfortable reading and ultimately, learn to read better.  She also works with Youth Thrive and the Sarasota Housing Authority’s after-school program for kids 18 and under to teach them about horsemanship. “It’s all about allowing kids to be with horses—kids who would never have the opportunity to do so otherwise,” she adds.

Looking to the future, Neily would like to expand the program to include more seniors, children and adults that are struggling by offering intensive outpatient programs. She’d also like to continue doing workshops during horse shows to help equestrian competitors. “I know we are dealing with Olympians but sometimes we don’t realize that sports psychology is really huge and athletes need to allow themselves to remember why they love the horse, why they’re doing the sport,” she says. “I’ve been doing this for so long and every single day, a horse teaches me something new. You’re never too much of a professional to get something out of the program.”

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART with HEART)

To learn more about SMART with HEART visit smartriders.org.

Through therapeutic horse-related programs and activities, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) riders and their families’ quality of life is significantly improved through therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and equine assisted activities. Through respectful partnerships with their horses, they create an environment that promotes a life of inclusion, respect, growth and independence. The organization began in 1987 and is a 501 C3 non-profit organization. This year, on September 1, SMART merged with another therapeutic center called Hooves with HEART, enabling them to become SMART with HEART.  Ilee Finocchiaro moved to Florida in 2014 and quickly became involved with SMART where she spent over eight years volunteering and working to gain her PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certification as an equine specialist in mental health and learning, and become a certified therapeutic riding instructor and a PATH Mentor. She is now the executive director of SMART with HEART.

SMART classes are offered both privately and as group lessons for ages four and up, tailored to meet each participant’s needs and provide the most beneficial experience for them. The individuals they work with typically experience physical challenges, such as cerebral palsy, stroke and spinal cord injuries; developmental/cognitive challenges including autism, Down syndrome and learning disabilities; and emotional or behavioral challenges like PTSD, ADHD, anxiety/depression. They also work with those that may have neurological conditions or long-term illness. “Our goal is to improve the participants’ motor skills, their emotional well-being, communication and social interactions,” explains Finocchiaro. “We are all very excited about the new merger with HEART as now we will have the ability to serve so many more people in need in our community than ever before. SMART with HEART is a Premier accredited center with PATH International and we are a 100 percent volunteer powered organization.”

Ilee Finocchiaro works with horses to help riders overcome anxiety, foster trust and cultivate a sense of well being and peace.

As to the horse/human connection, Finocchiaro says “It’s pretty darn amazing if you give it the chance! Horses are extremely intuitive and very sensitive creatures. They respond to our emotions and body language, which creates an opportunity for non-verbal communication and connection. They have a way of mirroring our emotions which helps people be more aware of their own feelings. Horses are also extremely non-judgemental and forgiving. In other words they don’t hold grudges which helps us build trust. Also, just being in the presence of such a powerful yet gentle creature can give us a sense of peace and well-being.”

Each therapeutic riding lesson at SMART is 45 minutes long and typically has structured activities specific to the individual’s needs. “We start with welcoming the participant and introducing them to their team and partner, their horse. They then begin the mounting process which can include a ramp or a mounting block with their instructor. After they are mounted we begin their warm up with some stretching to engage their core muscles and improve their flexibility. Then we focus on their riding skills depending upon their ability. We may practice steering, stopping, changing the pace of their horse, also including games such as ball tossing,  obstacle courses, sensory trails—anything to enhance their coordination, cognitive functions and sensory awareness. Their lesson also includes some social and emotional stimulation. Working along with their instructors, sidewalk or horse leaders and even the other participants in the lesson helps to build teamwork. As far as their emotional regulation, the movement of the horse can really help to calm anxiety and behavioral challenges. Once the lesson is over we cool down with a quiet walk allowing them to process their experience,” shares Finocchiaro. 

“We also offer equine assisted learning programs which are a hands-on experience for those that may not have the ability for a mounted lesson. We work on activities that help to increase their independence, gain confidence and coping skills to help in their everyday life.” Finocchiaro has witnessed many wonderful results coming from equine therapy. “We see so many incredible participants every week achieve their goals. To see someone with great anxiety and fear connect with their horse, to see someone who is paralyzed on one side of their body be able to move independently while they sit proudly on top of their horse, to hear a little girl tell you the best part of her week is to come and spend time with her horse where she shares ‘I feel free!’, or to hear the first word that has never been spoken said to their horse and not a human—there truly are no words that can do justice to describe the experiences you see at the barn,” she says. As a volunteer organization, SMART with HEART relies on donations, sponsorships and fundraising to support their programs. One hundred percent of every dollar donated goes toward operating their facility and taking care of their herd that serves the community. 


Ellian Rosaire Horse Therapy for Children and Seniors

Miss Elian works with Speedy the horse and Frank the human.

Master Riding Instructor Ellian Rosaire, known as Miss Ellian, has been riding and training horses since childhood. Horseback riding has been a cherished family tradition, sparked by her father, Sir Derrick Rosaire, who gained fame alongside Tony the Wonder Horse. Rosaire’s Riding Academy & Pony Rides, LLC is a family-owned equestrian farm dedicated to offering personalized services and unique events. Miss Ellian and her team take great joy in teaching riders of all ages how to care for, respect and enjoy these magnificent animals. For those who prefer not to ride, they also provide ground handling and grooming sessions. In addition to caring for horses and training riders, Miss Elian has been offering a type of equine facilitated learning which she describes as a hybrid program. “Years ago, I started working with kids with psychosocial issues, kids that were misbehaving because they had been deemed ADHD, and really what they needed was more activity, outdoors experience and structure,” she explains. “I’ve trained thousands of kids over the years for riding, but along with my regular riding, there’s a lot of discipline and self-worth involved. Self-esteem is a huge thing for kids in particular. Getting to the point where you can work with such a large animal and develop a cooperative relationship, it really makes you feel good about yourself and what you’re doing.” In the coming year, Miss Elian plans to grow her team by adding a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor trained by PATH International—the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. “What’s most important to me is bringing people and horses together in a way that’s going to help both of them,” she adds.

To learn more about Miss Elian and her programs visit rideapony.com or her Facebook page: facebook.com/Rideaponysrq

Each client that Miss Elian works with is different and so is their therapy plan. “The plans depend on the person’s situation which I find out about when we do our first intake meeting. I don’t charge for that first meeting as most places do, because I want to see how the participant is going to react to being around horses. It can be anything from just viewing horses to grooming to doing groundwork handling, or in many cases riding. Everybody has a different need, a different desire, a different goal and it’s all about figuring out what direction to take,” she says. She usually recommends weekly sessions for all to see the greatest benefits. In addition to her work with children, Miss Elian very much enjoys working with the senior population. “Last year, I offered a horsemanship program for seniors and I’m going to start it again now that the weather has improved,” she says. “A lot of people who are elderly need something to do, they may not necessarily want to ride a horse  but they like being around them—it gives them something to look forward to. We’re never too old to learn!”

Easterseals  Ranch

Asher rides Breezy and Kylie rides Noah at Easterseals Ranch.

Integrating equine therapy into occupational, physical, and speech-language therapies has proven to be a transformative approach for individuals with disabilities at  Easterseals (ES) Ranch. This innovative therapy not only provides physical benefits but also promotes mental wellness by allowing clients to engage with nature in a calming, outdoor environment. Unlike traditional therapy sessions confined to sterile, fluorescent-lit rooms, equine therapy fosters emotional healing and relaxation. Riding saddleless enhances the connection between clients and horses, enabling them to feel the animals’ natural rhythm and cadence. Nicole Murby, a speech-language pathologist and Vice President of Programs at Easterseals, has dedicated 17 years to therapy work with the organization. She oversees various programs, including clinical and behavioral therapies and the ES Ranch. Murby has witnessed significant improvements in her clients’ conditions through equine therapy. She emphasizes that equine therapy can help children with developmental disabilities enhance their communication skills. “We have about twenty horses here, most of them are for therapy,” she explains. “The horses are very reactive to people’s emotions so if you are loud or have erratic behaviors, the horses will turn around and won’t want to interact with you. This is actually very motivating for the kids—it’s almost like a biofeedback in that if you want the positive response from the horse, you have to come in with a calm body and a quiet voice.” She adds that caring for and riding horses can build self-esteem and confidence while the repetitive movements of riding provide a calming effect. This therapeutic environment fosters a special bond between the client and the horse, helping them manage interpersonal issues and reduce irritability and impulsivity. Interacting with horses also promotes sensory exploration in a safe space, allowing individuals to rebuild trust and establish boundaries in their relationships. As Haley, one of the riders at ES Ranch says “I love it! It makes me feel like I’m not even going to a therapy session.”

Lillian works with her instructors and Missy the horse at the EasterSeals Ranch.

ES Ranch offers multiple therapy types, including hippotherapy, which has been part of their program for over 20 years. This form of therapy uses the movements of a horse to provide motor and sensory input, beneficial for patients with neurological conditions and disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Equine therapy is also effective in alleviating anxiety and depression. Another component of the program is Equine Assisted Learning, known as Operation1Stride, which includes specialized programs like the Veterans Program aimed at alleviating PTSD symptoms and Herds in Harmony, designed for families affected by natural disasters. Additionally, their Operation LEAD program focuses on leadership and trust skills for at-risk youth in partnership with the Sarasota Sheriff’s Department. Christiana, a 26-year Air Force Veteran, shares her transformative experience with Operation1Stride after struggling with PTSD and major depressive disorder. Through her interactions with horses, she learned to channel her emotions into mindfulness, allowing her to process her trauma positively. She highlights that the program helped her rewrite her narrative and find a path forward, moving away from thoughts of despair to a more hopeful outlook.

Therapeutic Riding at the Ranch helps improve balance, motor function and overall quality of life. Unlike hippotherapy, this type of therapy encourages more independent riding. Each type of therapy session involves a certified therapeutic riding instructor, a licensed therapist and dedicated volunteers who assist with horse handling and safety. The Ranch’s 22,000-square-foot covered riding arena provides a safe space for therapy, protecting clients from the intense Florida sun and ensuring sessions can proceed regardless of the weather. This holistic approach to therapy through equine interaction offers profound benefits, allowing individuals to grow physically, emotionally and socially. 

Equine Therapy with Operation Warrior Resolution

The team at Operation Warrior Resolution helps veterans overcome traumatic experiences from the past. To learn more about Operation Warrior Resolution, operationwarriorresolution.org

Operation Warrior Resolution (OWR) is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through holistic mental health services aimed at healing trauma and fostering long-term wellness. During transformative retreats, veterans engage in brain-based healing techniques and alternative therapies, including yoga, meditation and equine therapy. Kendra Simpkins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and US Army veteran, knows the struggles veterans face firsthand. After leaving active duty in 2010, Simpkins found herself in a dark place, grappling with addiction and a sense of disconnection. Determined to find solutions, she built a dedicated team, rallied support and established OWR. Since its inception, the organization has positively impacted hundreds of veterans and their families through its retreat programs and community events in the Sarasota area. Thanks to generous grants, donations and fundraising efforts, all services are provided at no cost to veterans and their families.

Wendy Price, a brain-based healing practitioner and equine-assisted therapist at OWR, emphasizes a personalized approach to healing. “I meet each client where they are on their journey,” she explains. “My goal is to empower them and create momentum for their healing.” Price highlights the effectiveness of brain-based healing, noting an impressive 80 percent success rate in helping veterans and their families find relief from trauma, anxiety and depression. “We serve not just veterans, but also their spouses and children, even adult children, ensuring that all services remain free.” Price recognizes the profound impact of equine therapy in the healing process. “When veterans connect with horses, they often begin to soften and find ease,” she shares. “This interaction helps regulate their hearts and minds, fostering a powerful healing connection.” During retreats, veterans form bonds with both the horses and one another in groups of eight. This supportive environment is designed to promote healing, transformation and freedom from painful past experiences. With a partnership with Carousel Sea Horses in Bradenton, veterans even have the unique opportunity to swim with horses, an experience that can be both breathtaking and therapeutic. “It’s incredible to see veterans carried in the water, accompanied by horses and surrounded by jumping dolphins,” Price says. “We aim to foster connections from the moment they arrive, guiding them to create meaningful relationships with both the horses and each other.”

Although there have been so many successful interactions, one story in particular stands out for Price. It involves a veteran who initially approached the program with trepidation, burdened by the belief that he had lost his family’s love due to his struggles. He was particularly concerned that his prosthetic hand would frighten Miss America, the horse. With patience and encouragement, Wendy helped him bond with the horse, and eventually, she saw him gently stroking its side with his prosthetic hand, tears streaming down his face. “I haven’t felt this accepted since I came home,” he confided, a true testament to the healing power of connection and acceptance.