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Browse our Frequently Asked Questions below
Welcome!
Thank you for your interest in Healing with Horses Ranch! Join the interest list to receive communication about our next open enrollment period. We appreciate your patience. Please reach out to our Client Coordinator with any questions at kayla.mckee@healingwithhorsesranch.org
2026 Sliding Scale Fee Calculator
Program FAQ
The key differences between Adaptive Riding, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) lie in their goals & focus:
Adaptive Riding (also called Therapeutic Riding): Focuses on teaching riding skills to clients with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges while improving independence & functional life skills. Guided by a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) with volunteer support.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): One-on-one mental health treatment using the horse as a partner to meet individual treatment goals. These sessions involve mostly ground-work with the horses. Guided by a state-licensed mental health professional (LPC, LCSW, et. al.) with support from either a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) or Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI).
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): An experiential program aimed at developing life skills for educational, professional, and personal growth through activities with horses, helping individuals overcome daily challenges. We primarily offer this service to groups. Guided by a licensed counselor or certified wellness/life coach with support from either a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) or Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI), as well as volunteers.
We do not offer hippotherapy at this time. Hippotherapy is the use of the horse’s movement as part of an integrated treatment plan implemented by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist.
We operate on an industry standard sliding scale, and do not bill insurance or agencies directly. We provide receipts to clients to personally seek reimbursement from providers.
The scale uses the responsible party’s previous year’s total annual income & number of dependents as reported on the first page of their Federal Tax Form 1040. These amounts are compared to the current year’s US Government Federal Poverty Level to set the monthly fee. Individuals who did not file taxes the previous year may provide federal income tax documents indicating this was authorized, in which case the 1040 from two years prior may be submitted.
Individuals who do not submit the required documentation will be charged the full rate of $140 per session.
Please note: Fees for workshops & other group activities are set individually.
We operate year-round, and clients keep their spot for as long as they wish to continue.
Our schedule is managed on a monthly, tuition-based system in which all participants have 4 sessions a month (once a week), with the exception of federal holidays. No other options are available at this time.
Sessions are held 7 days a week between 9am-7pm, with times depending on the season, instructor, and horse availability.
Please note: Mondays are closed to Adaptive Riding sessions at this time.
Prior experience is not required.
Students must be at least 4 years old to receive services. Weight limits vary by program.
We ask that clients leave all animals at home. Even if you have a registered therapy animal, we cannot allow outside animals on the property for the health & safety of our animals, staff, and clients. Though you may encounter dogs at the Ranch, we can assure you that they are vetted, safe, and owned by staff.
Parents/guardians may choose to stay or go. We ask that they check in with the instructor before leaving, and return 15 minutes before the session ends for updates.
You may bring family members, but please be aware that we have zero tolerance for unsupervised minors due to the inherent unpredictability of our environment. Our top priority at all times is the safety of everyone on our property.
Find Another PATH Center
We recognize the urgency when seeking out equine-assisted services. If you are in a position where you cannot wait for a spot to open on our calendar, we recommend you reach out to other PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) centers providing these life-changing programs.
Meet Our Herd
Healing with Horses Ranch is a PATH International Premier Riding Center. Our instructors & equine specialists, all of whom are PATH certified, believe deeply in the transformative power of the horse-human connection, and the ability for individuals from all backgrounds to improve their emotional, cognitive, and physical abilities.
The horses, our greatest teachers, are the center of our team. We partner with a variety of breeds, shapes, and personalities of horses to meet the diverse needs of our riders. Every member of our herd is part of the family for life. In 2025, we became an equine sanctuary, which means each horse will live out their days here, whether or not they’re actively involved in programs. While we are not a rescue, once an equine is here, they can rest assured that this is their forever home.
A Standard of Excellence
Healing with Horses Ranch is affiliated with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, which delivers evidence-based, trauma-informed services led by certified professionals. PATH certifies & accredits centers, instructors, and equine specialists using field-tested standards for safety, ethics, and effectiveness. To become certified, instructors must complete a series of continuing education, fulfill student teaching requirements, and pass both written & practical exams.
Originally founded in 2011 as a PATH-compliant center by Patty D’Andrea, an Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Certified Equine Specialist, Healing with Horses Ranch held the first session in January 2012. Just six years later, a voluntary peer review earned the organization status as a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, which has been maintained annually since 2018. This designation recognizes the Ranch for upholding PATH’s highest standards & enables us to train other centers toward the same goals.
