Healing Strides of VA (HSVA) is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1991. We are located on 22 acres with 2 large pastures, 3 paddocks, a round pen, a large enclosed arena, a Mental Health, Learning, and Coaching dedicated building, and an outdoor arena. We have a professional staff, certified instructors, trained volunteers, and a herd of 20+ horses.
HSVA is the only Premier Accredited Center (PAC) with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding Int'l (PATH) in the Roanoke Valley. We are an Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy Program (EAAT) which includes Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Hippotherapy, and several other programs related to equine therapies.
HSVA is the only Premier Accredited Center (PAC) with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding Int'l (PATH) in the Roanoke Valley. We are an Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy Program (EAAT) which includes Therapeutic Riding, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Hippotherapy, and several other programs related to equine therapies.
Services
Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship is a program for individuals with personal challenges. This program has individualized horse interactions designed for all levels of participants. We serves over 60 different diagnosis' ranging from autism spectrum, neurological disorders, amputees, ADHD, MS, SMA, CP, Down Syndrome, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and sensory integration to name a few.
Healing Strides offers Mental Health, Learning, and Coaching opportunities to those who are in need of personal support. Our models take place on the ground, rather than on horseback, with clients telling their story through interactions with the horse. Fostering close communication is helpful for working through complex emotions, trauma, and abuse.
At just over a year of age my daughter, Ellie was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Cerebellar Hypoplasia. She was very delayed in all of her gross/fine motor skills and speech. Her core area was especially weak. After starting physical therapy over at Carilion, her PT recommended we try something new called, Hippotherapy, and thought my daughter would be a good candidate for this program at Healing Strides.
We love our Volunteers and cannot do what we do without YOU. We had over 14,000 hours of volunteer services in 2019! You do not need to have horse experience. WE will teach you. Volunteers are people who give their time and services to benefit our programs. Some bring skills in horsemanship, while others bring skills in leadership and other experiences.
We are celebrating 30 years! What a ride it has been! If you have a photo from sometime in the past 30 years from Healing Strides that you would like to share in the comments, please do! Our original roots go back to 1991 as the Roanoke Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, so pull out those old photos and share!
Reviews (3)
Random Human
Jun 22, 2021
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Cindy Wilcox
Jan 25, 2021
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Tap Bridge
Oct 21, 2020
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I volunteer here one day a week, and can't say enough good things about everyone who works here. It is truly an honor to assist the riders and staff, and the horses are pretty awesome too. They are always looking for more volunteers, and I can attest, it is one of the best experiences you can have. Horses helping people, what more can you ask for?