Business Details
26 Years
experience
Therapeutic Riding Program for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities
Established in 2000, Willow Farm Therapeutic Riding has dedicated itself to providing transformative equine-assisted programs for children and young adults aged 4 to 26 with diagnosed disabilities. Our approach aligns with PATH International standards, integrating therapy, education, sports, and recreation while fostering responsibility, leadership, and self-confidence. Through a collaborative team of therapists, physicians, and equine specialists, we create personalized goals to ensure safe, effective outcomes for each rider. Our program emphasizes the unique bond between horses and riders, promoting physical, psychological, and social development in a supportive environment.With certified instructors and a focus on both mounted and un-mounted activities, we address balance, coordination, emotional regulation, and communication skills. Though temporarily pausing services in 2025, we remain committed to resuming operations and continuing our mission of healing through horses. Our volunteer-driven model and partnerships with local therapists and organizations reflect our dedication to community and accessibility.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Un-mounted Classes
Heroes With Horses Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Scholarship Support
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in equine-assisted therapy programs.
- Our instructors are certified by PATH International, ensuring industry-standard expertise.
- We combine mounted and un-mounted activities to address diverse therapeutic needs.
- Our collaborative team includes therapists, physicians, and equine specialists.
- We prioritize community support through volunteer-driven operations and partnerships.
Associations and certifications
- PATH International
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding uses horseback riding to improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength while addressing emotional and cognitive challenges. Riders engage in structured lessons tailored to individual needs, fostering self-confidence and social skills through interaction with horses and instructors.
Un-mounted Classes
Un-mounted Classes focus on grooming, leading, and bonding with horses from the ground. These activities build trust, communication skills, and emotional connections, complementing mounted therapy by emphasizing non-verbal interaction and herd dynamics.
Heroes With Horses Program
The Heroes With Horses Program offers un-mounted sessions for veterans and active-duty military, teaching horse management and body language communication. This four-week program promotes reintegration into civilian life through therapeutic relationships with horses.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities allow individuals to assist riders during sessions, support events, and care for horses. Training is provided, enabling volunteers to contribute directly to the program's success and witness transformative outcomes.
Scholarship Support
Scholarship Support through Willys Fund provides financial assistance for riders, funded by donations in memory of program horses. This ensures accessibility for families facing economic barriers to therapeutic riding services.
People
Julie Frazier
Executive Director and Instructor
Julie Frazier has worked with horses since 1966 and founded WFTR in 2000. Certified by PATH International, she combines decades of equine expertise with therapeutic instruction to support riders with disabilities.
Annie Higley-Croschere
Program Coordinator and Instructor
Annie Higley-Croschere, certified by PATH International since 2001, co-leads the program with expertise in advanced therapeutic instruction. She brings competitive riding experience and a lifelong commitment to equine-assisted therapy.
Questions
What is therapeutic riding?
Therapeutic riding uses horseback riding to improve physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities in individuals with disabilities, promoting balance, coordination, and self-confidence.
Who can participate in your program?
Our program serves children and young adults aged 4 to 26 with physician-diagnosed physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities, with a weight limit of 150 lbs.
Are services available in 2025?
Our therapeutic riding services are paused for the 2025 calendar year, but we plan to resume operations in future seasons.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
Volunteers assist riders during sessions, support events, and contribute to horse care, with training provided for all roles.
What is the Heroes With Horses program?
This un-mounted program supports veterans and active-duty military through horse-human interaction, focusing on relationship-building and basic horse management.