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Horse-Powered Therapy

The mission of HorsePlay Therapy Center is to advance development and healing for children with special needs, and for veterans with PTSD and other life-altering injuries, through Hippotherapy (physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy on horseback) and equine therapy. No child or veteran is denied treatment based on their ability to pay.

Our Programs

HorsePlay Therapy Center is one of the only organizations in Northeast Florida that provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, AND speech therapy to children with special needs on horseback in a comprehensive medical treatment model known as Hippotherapy. Our knowledgeable team of therapists incorporate the movement of the horse as part of each specialized treatment plan. Each therapy session is one-on-one and includes therapy on and off the horse. Additionally, we provide Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) to veterans suffering from PTSD and wounded warriors, offering therapies that incorporate the movement of the horse, horsemanship activities, horse-human interaction, and mental health therapy in an open air equine environment. Sessions include mounted and non-mounted activities that support post-traumatic growth, mental health wellness, and improve the overall quality of life for veterans and their families.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech/language therapy that uses equine movement as a treatment strategy.  The movement of the horse influences the client, and the client actively responds to the movement.

Rise Up for Veterans

On Veterans Day 2021, we will launch the Rise Up equine assisted therapy program to serve wounded veterans and those with PTSD. As reported by the Military Times, “Equine therapy has been growing in popularity for veterans struggling with PTSD.”

Summer Camps

The 2023 Breeder’s Cup Summer Camp will provide children with special needs an experience of a lifetime. They will enjoy riding, grooming, sensory trails, music, crafts, water play, and much more. We’re offering Sibling Day Camps this year as well!

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“HorsePlay has been an amazing experience for us and invaluable for our son. He likes to come here because he thinks he is just going to play with the horse. The volunteers and the people are amazing."
- Lucas’s Mom
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"There's something about when you get with a horse. You bond with that horse. And they know what you're feeling because they feel it, too. They're feeling what you're going through, and when they feel comfortable, they come to you. They'll just come to you."
- Nicole, U.S. Navy Veteran​

About Us

HorsePlay Therapy Center is a not-for-profit therapy organization, located in the heart of St. Augustine, FL, that specializes in serving children with special needs and veterans with PTSD and other life-altering injuries. Our two facilities are based on the leading national medical therapy model that is proven and well recognized. HorsePlay Therapy Center is staffed by licensed physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapists, as well as trained volunteers. We are one of the few organizations in the Southeast that is dedicated to providing a comprehensive medical model of Hippotherapy and Equine Therapy to the children and veterans we serve.

Who We Serve: HorsePlay Therapy Center serves children with diagnoses such as Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Genetic abnormalities, ADHD, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Additionally, through the Rise Up program located at our satellite barn, we serve veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Wounded in Combat, Abuse Trauma, and Hazing Trauma. No child or veteran is denied treatment based on their ability to pay.

What is Hippotherapy? Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy used by specially trained physical, occupational, and speech therapists who position the child on the horse, analyze the child’s movement response and direct the horse’s movement accordingly. The therapist facilitates just the right challenge for each child. Hippotherapy addresses impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in patients with neuromotor and sensory dysfunction. This treatment strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional goals.

What is Equine Therapy? Equine Therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), is a treatment that includes equine activities in an equine environment in order to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth for veterans suffering from the physical wounds of war, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and many other mental health challenges. Rehabilitative goals are related to the patient’s needs and the therapist’s standards of practice. Interacting with horses builds trust and confidence and strengthens emotional bonds with each session.

Our Team

Our awesome team of therapists are well-trained, compassionate, and fully dedicated to making a difference for our clients.

Our Therapy Horses

Our therapy horses are carefully chosen for their temperament and the type of movement they produce.  

Our Facilities

We’ve grown into two beautiful farms, both with large covered arenas.  One location is for children and the other for veterans.

Be a Volunteer!

Make a huge impact in the lives of our clients by joining our volunteer team! Volunteer opportunities are available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Activities include horse grooming, tacking, sidewalking, and lots of joy and laughter! Sign up by filling out the form to the right.

Sponsor a Child or a Vet!

Sponsor a Child or Veteran! HorsePlay Therapy Center is the only program of its kind in Northeast Florida to provide integrative Hippotherapy as part of a physical, occupational, AND speech therapy treatment program for children with disabilities. Additionally, HorsePlay Therapy Center provides Equine-Assisted Therapy to veterans with PTSD and other life-altering injuries. Because of our donors, no child or veteran is denied treatment based on their ability to pay. Sponsor a child or a veteran and change a life forever. Contact us at (904) 315-8525 or use the form to the left. You can also use the form if you’d like to support our work on an ongoing basis or for a one-time gift.

Come Have Fun With Us!

3rd Annual BBQ and Beer at the Barn!

Yeehaw, y’all!  Get ready for our of our favorite events of the year!

Join us for a fun night at the barn including live music, an open bar, a catered BBQ dinner from Woodpeckers, line dancing, and more!

Get your tickets here!

Latest from our Blog

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March is Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month!

It is Cerebral Palsy Awareness month! We are so fortunate to serve many kids with CP at the barn!  Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscles, movements, and…
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The Sensory-Seeker Gift Guide!

It’s that time of year again!  Our skilled team of therapists compiled a list of our favorite sensory toys to shop for if you have a sensory seeker at home! …

Contact Us

904-315-8525

904-212-1114

1925 State Road 207

Saint Augustine, FL 32086