Growth does not always happen in a classroom or behind a desk. Sometimes it happens in a barn, beside a thousand pound horse, where trust is built one gentle step at a time.
Empowering Strides is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering growth in neurodivergent individuals through therapeutic horsemanship.
Therapeutic horsemanship is about far more than learning to ride. It uses the skills and joys of horseback riding and horse care to build emotional strength, social awareness, physical coordination, and confidence. Under the guidance of a certified instructor and supported by trained volunteers, each rider works toward personal goals in a safe and encouraging environment.
Founder and Director Laura Gorcester understands this journey well. After earning her certification through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International in 2015, she founded Empowering Strides to meet a growing need in the community. What began as a dream has grown into a thriving program that continues to enrich lives.
A typical lesson lasts one hour. Riders begin by grooming their horse and learning how to care for the animal. This time builds connection and responsibility. About thirty minutes are spent riding, where students practice mounting, steering, trotting, halting, and navigating obstacles through games and creative exercises. But the learning goes beyond riding. Riders strengthen communication skills, teamwork, spatial awareness, focus, and self evaluation.
Horses offer honest feedback. They respond to body language, tone, and energy. When a child learns to guide a horse through an obstacle, that moment builds more than riding skills.Helping a horse overcome a challenge often helps a child believe they can overcome one too.
Volunteers are essential to the mission. Each rider is supported by a trained volunteer who assists with grooming, mounting, and learning new skills. Community support also keeps the program strong. Donations fund scholarships for families who cannot afford lesson fees and provide medical care for the horses, including veterinary visits, dental work, and proper shoeing. Empowering Strides is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and every gift helps both horse and rider thrive.
For more information on how to be involved visit empoweringstrides.com