About Our Facility

The Equine Haven LLC was purchased in 2017 and did not receive LLC status until 2018, although the equine therapy programs existed as pilot programs through outside mental health agencies with Bri McDonnell as program director.

In 2018 the facility became a host site for the Retired Racehorse Project and rehomed a total of 4 off the track thoroughbreds.

Also in 2018, the facility was approved to launch it’s first acceptance of private clients to work one on one with the therapist.

Although the facility and concept at this location is new, equine assisted therapy has been documented throughout history as early as the 17th century when Ancient Greeks were known to first use horses as a therapeutic medium to treat persons with neurological disorder and low morale.

The therapeutic riding methods used in modern times was introduced by Liz Hartel from Denmark. She has paralyzed legs due to polio but made the sport of dressage as a way to win an Olympic gold medal.

Throughout the different methods one aspect remains consistent; the horses are trained and selected specifically for therapy before being integrated into a program. Therapy programs choose horses of any breed that they find to be calm, even-tempered, gentle, serviceably sound, and well-trained both under saddle and on the ground.

The Equine Haven LLC will sometimes use the rescued and rehabilitated off the track thoroughbreds as therapy animals so long as they pass the temperament and training test.

In addition to having therapy horses, there are also two therapy goats, a miniature horse, and over a dozen chickens on the property who work with the clients on the farm who may feel more comfortable with companions of a smaller scale.