Business Details
Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Riding Programs in Howell, NJ
Horse Sense is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through equine-assisted therapeutic riding programs. Founded by Loree Mahalchick, our center specializes in addressing physical, mental, and emotional challenges for children, teens, and adults. With over two decades of equine experience, Loree combines her PATH International certification and EAGALA training to create personalized therapeutic experiences. Our programs focus on building self-esteem, confidence, and physical coordination while fostering emotional connections between riders and horses. We serve individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, and other developmental or mental health challenges.Our peaceful Howell, NJ farm provides a safe environment for riders to interact with rescued horses, learn animal care, and explore our garden and bee farm. We prioritize one-on-one instruction, tailoring each session to individual needs while maintaining a low-stress atmosphere. Our team includes veterinary professionals and experienced volunteers who ensure rider safety and program effectiveness. We offer scholarships and rely on community support to maintain our facilities and care for our animals. Through partnerships with horses like Don Carlos and Beauty, we help riders discover their unique abilities and achieve personal breakthroughs.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Animal Care Education
Sensory Integration Therapy
Veteran Support Programs
Highlights and features
- Certified therapeutic riding instructors with 20+ years of equine experience
- Personalized one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs
- Peaceful, low-stress farm environment with rescued therapy horses
- Comprehensive programs addressing physical, emotional, and developmental challenges
- Specialized EAGALA-trained equine specialists for mental health support
Associations and certifications
- PATH International
What people say
Gained self confidence
Special bond with horses
Peaceful setting
Tailored approach
Breakthrough moments
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Structured riding sessions improve balance, coordination, and muscle tone while building confidence. Certified instructors guide riders through exercises that promote sensory integration and emotional regulation. Our rescued horses provide gentle, responsive partners for individuals with autism, PTSD, and developmental delays.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
EAGALA-trained specialists facilitate emotional growth through horse interactions. Clients develop coping skills by working with horses in ground activities that mirror life challenges. This approach benefits those dealing with trauma, anxiety, and behavioral issues through non-verbal communication and trust-building.
Animal Care Education
Participants learn daily horse care routines that teach responsibility and empathy. Activities include grooming, feeding, and stable maintenance that develop fine motor skills and routine-building. Our farm environment allows interaction with goats, pigs, and bees to broaden therapeutic experiences.
Sensory Integration Therapy
Horseback riding combined with sensory activities improves neurological processing. Riders engage in color recognition games, tactile exercises, and movement-based learning while riding. This approach helps individuals with sensory processing disorders develop better environmental awareness and focus.
Veteran Support Programs
Tailored equine therapy programs address combat-related trauma through structured horse interactions. Veterans develop trust and emotional regulation by working with horses in ground training and riding activities. Our peaceful farm setting provides a calming environment for processing traumatic experiences.
People
Loree Mahalchick
Founder & Director
Equine therapy pioneer with 20+ years experience, certified by PATH International. Developed specialized programs for special needs individuals through horse therapy. Holds degrees in Business and Equine Science with racetrack internship experience.
Dr. Tiffany Mahalchick
Guest Instructor
Veterinarian and equestrian expert with 15+ years in horse care. Former collegiate equestrian team captain with advanced training in equine-assisted therapies. Focuses on building human-animal trust relationships during therapy sessions.
Questions
What conditions do you support through equine therapy?
We work with autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues.
Do you offer group therapy sessions?
We focus on one-on-one sessions to ensure personalized attention and safety for all riders.
Are your instructors certified?
Our lead instructor holds PATH International certification and EAGALA training in equine-assisted therapies.
What safety measures are in place?
We require medical releases and safety forms, with trained volunteers assisting during all riding sessions.
Can adults participate in therapy programs?
Yes, we serve both children and adults with physical, emotional, or developmental challenges.
Reviews (6)
Gwen Fuerte
Dec 01, 2021
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Great experience for children to get a one on one lesson in a safe environment. The horses are gentle and calm natured, and the trainers work well with even very young children, treating them as young citizens and expecting good behavior around the horses. Easy scheduling, with automated reminders.
Avalon Windsor
Sep 05, 2021
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I spent a short time here.. I don't know where to start. Several horses were lame, some ex track horses are still only trained safely in one direction. Several horses showed aggression towards students, one horse would NOT stop no matter what I tried to teach, a few of the horses are under weight. Their arena was NEVER tilled. Their fencing has nails sticking out of it. None of the students were taught basic ground work. I've worked on much nicer facilities, coming to this one I seriously lowered my standards. Students are being taught that this level of horse care is acceptable, and it's not
Allison Russ
Jun 14, 2021
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Kids loved it, such great patient staff and amazing horses. Definitely will be back. Thank you again Caitlin and girls.
Amanda Nellis
Jan 08, 2021
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I took my six year old here for her first horse experience and it was great! They have a reasonably priced intro session for younger kids to learn some basics and get around the horses, which was a great fit for our needs. Corey was lovely and my naturally shy daughter warmed right up to her. We will definitely be back!
Walter C.
Nov 22, 2020
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Such an awesome place. Teaching disabled children and adults how to groom a horse, how to ride a horse and just interact with the different animals
AAA+++
AAA+++
Aaron Baker
Oct 18, 2020
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My daughter loves getting lessons here they really do a good job teaching the fundamentals of horseback riding if your looking for somewhere to learn how to ride if you can get a time slot I'd recommend this place
