Business Details
28 Years
experience
Therapeutic Riding Services in Bar Harbor, ME
Founded in 1998, Willowind Therapeutic Riding Center has dedicated over 25 years to transforming lives through equine-assisted therapy. Our mission focuses on empowering children and adults with physical and mental disabilities by integrating horses into therapeutic processes. Located in Bar Harbor, Maine, we serve families across five counties, offering individualized programs that foster confidence, communication, and social skills.Our team of certified professionals combines expertise in therapeutic horsemanship with a deep commitment to community impact. Through partnerships and fundraising, we maintain affordable access to services while sustaining a 50% subsidy for every rider. Our programs extend beyond individual riders to include families, creating holistic healing environments rooted in rural heritage and modern therapeutic practices.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Family Programs
Community Outreach
Fundraising Campaigns
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in equine-assisted therapy since 1998
- Our team includes PATH-certified riding instructors
- We provide 50% subsidized rates for all riders
- Our programs integrate family involvement for holistic healing
- We serve five rural Maine counties with specialized therapeutic services
Associations and certifications
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Our therapeutic riding sessions combine horse interaction with physical and emotional development. Riders engage in grooming, feeding, and guided riding while improving motor skills, confidence, and social abilities. Programs are tailored for individuals aged 6+ with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy, and anxiety disorders.
Family Programs
We integrate families into therapeutic processes through collaborative activities. These programs strengthen family bonds while teaching communication and trust-building skills. Sessions focus on shared goal achievement through equine-assisted interactions that benefit both riders and their support networks.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives promote awareness of equine therapy benefits through local events and partnerships. We organize fundraising campaigns for facility improvements and sustainability projects while maintaining active engagement through social media and community events.
People
David Folger
Director and Riding Instructor
Co-founder and director with 25+ years in therapeutic horsemanship. Certified PATH instructor and College of the Atlantic graduate. Combines diverse experience in education, carpentry, and research science to lead Willowind's programs.
Cate Schneider
Office Manager
Manages administrative operations with a Masters in Exercise Physiology. Former Grand Teton resident and University of Maine graduate. Coordinates fundraising, marketing, and community engagement while teaching locally and leading Girl Scouts.
Auria Mauras
Development Coordinator
Oversees fundraising and community relations since 2014. French native with graduate clinical counseling studies. Organizes events and manages social media to sustain Willowind's mission and expand its community impact.
Rachel D'Angeli
Riding Instructor
Certified instructor responsible for horse care and volunteer coordination. Culinary school graduate with diverse career experience. Combines horsemanship expertise with practical farm management skills to support therapeutic programs.
Questions
What therapeutic services do you offer?
We provide equine-assisted therapy sessions for individuals aged 6+ with physical and mental disabilities, focusing on improving motor skills, confidence, and social abilities through horse interaction.
How do I schedule a session?
Contact Director David Folger via text at 207-479-0085 to schedule a meet-and-greet. Our current schedule is full, but we maintain a waiting list for new riders.
What are your service costs?
Sessions cost $70 per hour, with a 50% subsidy maintained through donations. We currently cannot offer third-party reimbursement options for our services.
Which areas do you serve?
We serve families from Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Penobscot, and Cumberland counties in Maine through our rural-focused therapeutic programs.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteers to support our programs. Contact Rachel D'Angeli, our Volunteer Coordinator, to learn about current opportunities and requirements.
Reviews (3)
Jessica Jordan
Jul 02, 2021
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This place is great for children with special needs. David the owner is great with my kids. 3 of my kids ride here. We have been going here since march with my oldest son and now 2 of my other sons go. It has really helped my oldest son. My boys get excited every week to go see the horses and to ride. If you can please donate to willowind therapeutic riding center. Help give other children like my special needs kids a chance to ride horses. David teaches them everything they need to know to get on a horse. They start with brushing the horse and cleaning hoofs, then they go get everything they need
Amelia Boyington
Jan 13, 2021
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Hi david its mia i just want to say that i miss being there i hope you hade a good christmas from mia tell indi i miss her and i still have the necklace
Auria M.
Jul 17, 2020
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This therapeutic riding center is such a incredible place, I've met so many wonderful volunteers, riders and just a place I would recommend to anybody looking for equine therapy for themselves or their loved ones. Keep it up!!!