Unlike therapy interactions with small-scale animals (dogs, cats, rabbits), Special Equestrians in Warrington thinks big. Its sessions routinely pair special-needs individuals with 660 lbs. of equine friendliness, as reported in The Business & Arts Journal, the publication of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.

Special Equestrians began with one dedicated person: therapeutic riding instructor Kathy Quinn. She saw the numerous benefits horsemanship could bring to individuals with disabilities.

In 1982, with one student, one horse, and one volunteer, Quinn started connecting mobility-compromised individuals with the freedom, self-confidence, and companionship that only a horse could offer.

Special Equestrians now runs its operation with 16 staff members, 11 horses, 220 volunteers, indoor and outdoor arenas, a room for hippotherapy (which uses a horse’s natural gait as a physical therapy tool), a 24-station sensory trail, and an observation lounge/classroom.

The organization’s mission is to “improve the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals with disabilities through the equine experience.”

The program uses extensively trained therapy horses to help patients in the 5–18 year-old age range who meet the diagnosis criteria for:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Intellectual disability
• Development disability
• ADHD
• Cerebral palsy
• Genetic disorders
• Brain injuries

Its appreciable benefits have, however, been extended to women in recovery, children in residential foster care, residents in senior living centers, and cancer support groups.

More information on Special Equestrians, including volunteer opportunities, is online.