Healing Strides of Virginia (HSVA), located in Boones Mill in Franklin County, is a leading provider of Equine Assisted Services (EAS), serving individuals from age four through senior adulthood. HSVA supports those facing physical, emotional, developmental, and mental health challenges, creating opportunities for growth and transformation through the unique power of the horse-human bond. HSVA’s Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship programs offer mounted experiences for participants with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, neurological conditions, and sensory integration issues,to name a few. Each program is guided by individualized lesson plans so participants can pursue personal goals regardless of diagnosis or ability. Beyond building physical skills like balance, coordination, and core strength, therapeutic riding cultivates patience, confidence, and mindfulness. The act of riding, grooming, and bonding with horses helps participants develop resilience and emotional regulation in a supportive environment. In addition to mounted activities, HSVA delivers Mental Health, Education, and Coaching services on the ground. These programs support children/youth who have experienced trauma and/or need mental health support related to bullying and other socio-emotional challenges; veterans, active duty military personnel, first responders, and individuals struggling with addiction or other difficulties life throws at them. Horses provide a calming, nonjudgmental presence that encourages mindfulness and self-reflection, offering a safe path to process trauma, build coping strategies, and restore well-being. For example, substance abuse clients are able to attend weekly equine-assisted sessions to manage triggers, regulate emotions, and find strength in recovery. The Veterans & First Responders Program is open to servicemembers and their families, as well as active or retired first responders, who need a place to process the trauma they continually see in a safe environment. The program addresses post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma, anger management, family conflict, and parenting struggles, to name a few. Participants engage in mounted and ground-based activities that promote healing, and they also benefit from monthly drop-in gatherings that build camaraderie and community. By fostering trust and shared purpose, HSVA helps veterans and first responders reconnect with themselves, their families, their community and one another. For children and youth, Finding Your Stride is an intensive eight-week curriculum designed for ages 6–17. Each session focuses on a developmental theme such as resilience, emotional regulation, or managing social anxiety. The program not only supports children in meeting personal goals but also identifies those who may need additional mental health resources—a vital service in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. By combining structured learning with the therapeutic power of horses, Finding Your Stride helps young people face challenges with strength and compassion. HSVA’s reputation for excellence is grounded in nationally recognized accreditations and evidence-based practices. The organization holds Premier Accreditation through PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) and designation from Arenas for Change (ARCH)—making it the only center in the Roanoke Valley with both honors, and one of just eight Centers of Excellence recognized by the U.S. Equestrian Federation. HSVA is also a Designated Center for Mental Health Education and Coaching and one of only two facilities in Virginia licensed to provide Brief Strategic Family Therapy, an evidence-based treatment model. Notably, HSVA is the only center in the nation to integrate horses into this model, underscoring its innovative approach. The HSVA team embodies this commitment to quality. Instructors are certified through PATH Intl., ARCH, and the Certified Horsemanship Association. The interdisciplinary staff includes Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), Mental Health Professionals and Coaches, Certified Recreational Therapists, and other credentialed professionals, all dedicated to ensuring programs are both safe and transformative. At its core, HSVA is more than a therapy center—it is a place of connection, growth, and healing. Children gain confidence as they ride and care for horses. Veterans rediscover purpose in tending to animals and connecting with peers who understand their struggles. Families heal together, supported by programs that strengthen trust and communication. Every interaction with a horse becomes an opportunity to rediscover strength, rebuild hope, and reclaim joy. By blending clinical expertise, accredited programming, and the transformative presence of horses, HSVA provides services that change lives and ripple outward into families, schools, workplaces, and communities. With continued support, Healing Strides will remain a leader in holistic, equine-assisted care—helping individuals of all ages find healing, purpose, and the courage to stride forward.
Member Since: 2025