Business Details
Therapeutic Riding & Equine-Assisted Therapy in Zionsville, IN
Morning Dove Therapeutic Riding Center is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges through equine-assisted therapies. Founded on the belief that the human-horse connection fosters transformative growth, we provide personalized therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs tailored to each participant's needs. Our team of certified instructors and dedicated volunteers combines decades of equestrian expertise with compassionate care to create a safe, inclusive environment.We prioritize accessibility by offering subsidized services to ensure financial barriers do not prevent individuals from experiencing the physical, emotional, and social benefits of equine-assisted therapy. Our programs emphasize holistic development, helping participants build confidence, strength, and social connections while fostering a deep appreciation for horses. Through community partnerships and donor support, we strive to create a more inclusive society where everyone can thrive.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Horsemanship
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Horse Care Education
Community Programs
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with decades of combined equine therapy experience
- Personalized support teams for each participant's unique needs
- Subsidized programs ensuring accessibility for all income levels
- Holistic approach combining physical, emotional, and social development
- Experienced volunteers and specialized equine care professionals
What people say
Rewarding experience
Improved confidence
Top notch instructors
Life-changing impact
Peaceful environment
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic riding pairs individuals with special needs with trained horses and support teams to improve physical coordination, emotional regulation, and cognitive development. This evidence-based program enhances core strength, balance, and self-confidence through structured equestrian activities. Participants experience measurable improvements in motor skills and social interaction while forming meaningful connections with horses.
Therapeutic Horsemanship
Therapeutic horsemanship focuses on horse care education and ground-based interactions to develop emotional resilience and social skills. Participants learn equine behavior, grooming techniques, and safe handling practices in modified environments. This program promotes stress reduction, emotional awareness, and interpersonal growth through non-riding equine activities.
Community Programs
Community programs provide inclusive equine experiences for diverse groups through partnerships and outreach initiatives. These programs offer subsidized access to therapeutic riding and horsemanship education for underserved populations. Participants benefit from structured socialization opportunities and community-building activities centered around horse care and riding.
Volunteer Training
Volunteer training programs prepare community members to support therapeutic riding sessions through structured orientation and skills development. Trainees learn horse handling, safety protocols, and participant support techniques from experienced staff. Volunteers play critical roles as horse leaders, side walkers, and program assistants during therapy sessions.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy combines horse interactions with therapeutic goals to address physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Certified instructors design individualized treatment plans incorporating mounted and ground-based activities. This approach leverages horses' natural responsiveness to improve participants' sensory processing, emotional regulation, and physical mobility through consistent, goal-oriented sessions.
People
Kim McCrea
Equine Director/Operations Manager
Certified instructor with lifelong equestrian experience specializing in Hunter/Jumper disciplines. Combines veterinary expertise with therapeutic riding to create joyful, impactful sessions for participants.
Nancy Beise
Program Director
EAGALA-certified equine specialist with 20+ years experience developing therapeutic programs. Focuses on experiential learning and mental health support through horse-assisted interventions.
Sara Custer
Instructor
Neurobiology PhD professional with 20+ years therapeutic riding experience. Integrates scientific understanding of behavior with equine therapy to support riders' cognitive development.
Dara Lewis
Instructor
Classical dressage expert adapting para-riding techniques for therapeutic applications. Specializes in using equine movement patterns to address physical rehabilitation needs.
Michelle Ketring
Instructor
13-year volunteer turned certified instructor. Combines corporate leadership skills with horsemanship expertise to create structured, supportive therapy environments for diverse participants.
Questions
What age groups participate in your programs?
We serve children and adults of all ages with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges through customized therapeutic riding sessions.
Are your instructors certified?
All riding instructors hold PATH International certification with specialized training in adaptive horsemanship techniques and participant safety protocols.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain 3:1 staff-to-rider ratios with trained horse leaders, side walkers, and certified instructors during all riding sessions for maximum safety.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we provide subsidized programs and work with donors to ensure cost doesn't prevent access to our therapeutic equine services.
Reviews (6)
Kristina Chapman
Jun 27, 2020
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I was so impressed with everything here. The horses, the set-up and of course the services offered. Worth the drive to check them out!
Autism Dad
Jun 10, 2020
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My kid loves it, but it is overpriced for not being an actual therapy riding place. Does not accept medicaid waiver and only uses volunteers so no actual therapy.
Lee Ann Roeder
Jul 13, 2019
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Wonderful, caring staff and outstanding group of volunteers make each riding or groundwork session a memorable experience for the fantastic people served.
Tom Moran
Jun 13, 2019
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Great people touching and changes lives for some incredible individuals and their families. Thanks for making my day special and allowing me to experience it. Many Blessings
Bella Duncan
Oct 07, 2018
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Great staff, always nice and helpful! Clean facility and property. Would recommend to any who seak hippo therapy!
Nani Garringer
Sep 30, 2017
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Its the best place ever it's quiet,peaceful, and it's also beautiful the people there are always so sweet and kind to the people that go there that place has the awesomeness horses to once you enter you might never want to go back home you hopefully will come with a smile and you'll leave with one to!
- Nani G I
- Nani G I
