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 for the children and mental health therapy utilizing horses for 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 utilizing horses 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. Utilizing hippotherapy in PT, OT, or speech therapy can be an effective tool for increasing functional outcomes for patients with neuromotor and sensory differences. This treatment strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional goals.

Why horses with Veterans?

In our RiseUp for Veterans program, we serve veterans suffering from physical wounds of war, PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other mental health challenges with mental health therapy utilizing horses. Our licensed mental health therapists are certified in Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Our therapists utilize equine activities and equine movement to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth related to the patient’s individual rehabilitative goals. 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.

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Our Therapy Horses

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

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Our Facilities

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

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A child rides a horse with her arms straight out to balance while three volunteers help support her and guide the horse
A volunteer guiding the hand of a child and helping them brush a horse's fur