Equine Assisted Programs
A person with a physical, cognitive or emotional special need can find interactions with horses to be highly rewarding. For example, the rhythmic motion of a horse can help riders with physical needs show improvement in flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Research shows that a large group of people with various physical issues and disabilities across all ages can benefit greatly, both physically and emotionally, from equine assisted activities. The relationship formed between human and equine can also lead to increased self confidence and self esteem for those individuals with emotional and cognitive challenges.
Program Enrollment
Scholarship Information
Our Programs
Great Oak is a proud Member Center of PATH International and all of Great Oak’s Instructors are Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors with PATH International.
Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs is a 501c3 Nonprofit and all donations are tax-deductible.
Adaptive Horsemanship serves children and adults with disabilities and offers physical, cognitive, and emotional benefits—from increased flexibility, balance, and muscle strength to enhanced communication, confidence, and social well-being. Led by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors, lessons are tailored to support participants’ individual goals through mounted and unmounted activities. Mounted sessions are designed to teach riding skills, with the therapeutic benefits of improved core strength, balance, coordination, and increased confidence. Unmounted groundwork emphasizes communication, boundary-setting, and leadership through guided interaction with equines, including grooming and leading activities that promote self-awareness and connection.
To enroll in lessons, please view our Participant Handbook.
Great Oak is also home to the Special Olympics South Carolina Area-15 Equestrian team. This team provides Adaptive Horsemanship participants the chance to engage in athletic competitions, and share their talents, skills, and friendships with family members, fellow Special Olympics athletes, and the wider community. Great Oak’s team consists of 8 athletes, 3 certified Special Olympics Coaches and 12 Special Olympic Certified Volunteers.
Great Oak’s Equine-Assisted Learning program is designed to educate the public on the significance of the horse-human bond, promote understanding of equine communication and welfare, and provide experiential opportunities through which participants gain insight into the meaningful ways horses enhance human lives. From educational field trips to corporate team-building and community-based instruction, Great Oak welcomes a wide variety of groups to our farm each year. At the heart of these learning experiences is our groundwork curriculum, which guides participants through a series of structured activities with equines and PATH-certified instructors that emphasize boundaries, communication, self-awareness, and leadership. Experiences can be tailored to the specific age, goals, and intentions of each group to ensure meaningful and engaging participation.
Great Oak’s Silver Saddles are a group of mature women who seek to increase their balance, coordination, flexibility and strength while in the saddle. This program is taught by a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and is held throughout a 6 week program. Groups are limited to three riders and various times are available.
Camps are a fun experience for all children and our campers leave each day experiencing, horsemanship activities, riding lessons, games, crafts and more!
