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Who We Are

Asheville Equine Therapy Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and PATH INTL. Center Member that provides equine-assisted services and beginner riding lessons. We are driven by a single goal: to do our part in helping enhance the lives of all including those with disabilities, special needs, PTSD, and trauma through equine-assisted services, adaptive/therapeutic riding and horsemanship. We strive to help build gratifying genuine relationships and make a positive impact with all our pursuits through equines with the assistance of our skilled professionals.

FEIN #84-2358846

Candid Guidestar Gold Seal of Transparency. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/84-2358846

 

What are Equine-Assisted Services?

Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) allow people with physical, cognitive, behavioral or emotional challenges to find strength, healing, and independence through the power and connection with the horse (Equus Foundation). 

EAS, Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship benefit participants by helping build trust, connection, empathy, emotional awareness/regulation, confidence, communication/social skills, problem solving/coping skills, impulse control, balance, posture, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, vestibular, circulatory, nervous system functions, sensory processing, stress reduction and SO MUCH MORE!

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a hands-on experiential learning program that incorporates equine/human interactions. While fostering a relationship between participant and equine partner, it promotes personal growth in a multi-sensory environment.

Our Equine-Assisted Services include beginner and intermediate riding lessons, equine assisted learning and personal growth, Horse Powered Reading® and Math Programs, adaptive/therapeutic riding and horsemanship, equine assisted coaching, and equine assisted psychotherapy. Our equine assisted psychotherapy sessions are scheduled with one of our dedicated mental health professionals and equine specialist in mental health and learning. 

Our Team

Asheville Equine Therapy Inc. emerged out of a pursuit to inspire, support and enhance the lives of all in the community. Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of equine professionals and volunteers are the backbone of Asheville Equine Therapy Inc.. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to evolve, develop and grow.
Not only is our staff licensed in their professional fields, they are also PATH INTL., EAGALA and/or ARCH Certified and are proud to uphold the safety standards of the Equine-Assisted Services Industry.
PATH INTL.- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International
EAGALA- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association

ARCH- Arenas For Change

Meg Hill

Executive Director/CTRI/ESMHL/CPC

Horse Powered Reading and Math Facilitator

&

ARCH Professional Designation Coach

Meg Hill is the founder and Executive Director of Asheville Equine Therapy. She graduated from St. Edward's University, Austin, TX with her Bachelor's degree in Art and Education and has ridden for 40 years. She rides english, western and sidesaddle. She recognized the therapeutic power of horses at a young age through her own life experiences. Living in North Carolina for the past two decades, Meg saw a need for equine-assisted services in her local community, creating Asheville Equine Therapy Inc. 501(c)(3).  

She is a PATH INTL. CTRI and ESMHL (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning). As a former public school teacher, Meg brings reading and math into the arena as a Horse Powered Reading and Math Facilitator. 

Being an IAPRC Certified Professional Life Coach with a focus on Health, Wellness, Stress Management, Leadership and Team Building gives Meg the ability to elevate the participants' experience with personal growth in mind by facilitating through a story mindset and framework. When our story changes, we change!

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Michelle Barshaw

Natural Horsemanship Specialist/Instructor

Michelle Barshaw is a competitive Hunter/Jumper rider who has ridden for 40+ years and became a Level 4 Parelli Instructor. In the past decade she has gone on to develop her own successful program; Calm, Connected, and Confident Horsemanship from life long experiences and exceptional horsemanship. Michelle's services are available both on and off the farm. She will come to you and your equines or you may partner and learn with our equines.

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Stacy Leo
 

Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice

(LISW-CP)

Stacy Leo has her undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay and is a licensed LISW-CP whose work focuses on the prevention and treatment of child and family traumatic stress. Having received formal training in trauma informed care, child welfare, suicide prevention, strengths based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, treatment for behavioral and mental disorders, early childhood development, traumatic brain injury, and post-traumatic stress disorder led her to become the site director for the University of California's evidence based program, Families Overcoming Under Stress (FOCUS). Stacy served Marines, Sailors and military families aboard Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station, Marine Corps Parris Island, and Beaufort Naval Hospital from 2016 - 2023.

Stacy is an avid equestrian having ridden for over 40 years, working on the professional hunter/jumper circuit for 12 years and owned/operated Horses Healing Hearts, an equine assisted psychotherapy program in Green Bay, Wisconsin until relocating in 2016. Stacy uses EAP to promote physical, occupational, and emotional growth in persons with a myriad of afflictions from anxiety, depression, dementia, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, trauma, and severe emotional/behavioral challenges.


 

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NOT ALL Asheville Equine Therapy instructors are licensed medical professionals in the mental health field.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are scheduled with one of our dedicated mental health professionals.

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About Our Equines

"Horses carry the wisdom of healing in their hearts and offer it to any human who possess the humility to listen."
-Wind Horse Sanctuary

DID YOU KNOW?

The average cost of care for 1 horse in the state of North Carolina is $8,832 a year, yep you read that right!!

https://horserookie.com/average-horse-cost-by-state/

Sponsor an equine partner today and receive pictures and updates monthly of your chosen equine!

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Fifi Pony

With a little bit of sass and a ton of class Fifi loves her job!

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Stanley the Manly

As a big strapping boy with a heart of gold, Stanley is nothing but a big love bug!

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Bo

Once a upon a time a fancy show horse, Bo the gentle giant loves all the kiddos!

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Mamie

As a trick horse, Mamie entertains all when she bows down before laying down!

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Jasper

A Tennessee Walking Horse, Jasper is the smoothest ride with a disposition to match his gate!

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Winston

Our newest addition to the herd, Winston was found at a livestock auction bound for the kill pen. Been shuffled through many hands, he is still learning to trust people with the help of caring participants.

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Lily Pony

Small but mighty, as a Halflinger, Lily pony can carry a sizeable adult and loves to take care of the tiny!

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Mabeline

Mabeline our Jersey/Angus Heifer loves to play tag in the field, take walks around the farm in her halter/lead rope and be groomed by participants!

Our Programs and Services

AET provides an inclusive environment, enabling individuals and groups to feel safe, respected, engaged, motivated, and valued. Our programs are for ALL and include everyone, regardless of disability, race, ethnicity, religion, gender or age.
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ALL THINGS EQUINE HORSEMANSHIP & RIDING ACADEMY

Hands - on equine assisted learning, horsemanship and riding, meeting for 3 hours twice a month. These sessions run all year round and are for those participants that perhaps do not have the ability to commit to weekly lessons, but are still obsessed with horses and want to know it all and do it all!!

Contact us for details, pricing, dates and times.

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BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE HORSEMANSHIP & RIDING
ADAPTIVE/THERAPEUTIC HORSEMANSHIP & RIDING

Spring and Fall 8 - Week private or semi-private 60 minute sessions, meeting once a week. Semi-private sessions are limited to 2 participants.

Summer private or semi-private sessions: 2 weeks meeting for 60 minutes, Mondays & Wednesdays during the months of June and July.

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

Get in Touch
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READING RODEO AND MATH PROGRAM

Reading Rodeo is an equine assisted literacy and math enrichment program.  Facilitated using Horse Powered Reading® and Math, it takes experiential learning to a whole new level! Through Equine assisted experiential games and activities, struggling readers learn phonemic awareness and phonics in a fun and creative way. Services are tailored to the individual's learning needs and include but are not limited to: decoding, vocabulary enhancement, fluency, building comprehension skills, and critical and creative thinking. Private, semi private and group sessions available.

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

 

To learn more about HPR methodology, visit: https://www.horsepoweredreading.com

Video of how it works!

https://youtu.be/a0KOw-y4VIw?si=FFN8shsg4FlwZuHG

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AET'S SUMMER CAMPS

3 Consecutive days of horsemanship and riding summer Camps. Mornings begin with horsemanship and riding. Afternoons are filled with equine related crafts, games and activities. Camps have different themes throughout the summer. Be sure to check our Upcoming Events page or click the button below for details!

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

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SILVER SPURS SESSIONS

Riding isn't just for younger generations, it is for ALL generations! Introducing our Silver Spurs Sessions for seniors, mounted and unmounted sessions available.

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

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EQUINE EXPERIENCE WORKSHOPS
&
PARTIES

Coming to town to visit beautiful Asheville and looking for something different to do with your family and friends? Have a horse obsessed kiddo that wants a unicorn or cowboy party? We have you covered with our 2 or 4 hour workshops and parties for all ages.  Schedule your private party or workshop today!

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

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EQUINE-ASSISTED COACHING, LEADERSHIP, TEAM BUILDING SERVICES & WORKSHOPS

Individual and Group Equine-Assisted Coaching Leadership and Team Building Services; full and/or half day Workshops for individuals and groups focusing on personal growth, wellbeing, stress management, leadership, and team building. Facilitating through a story mindset and framework along with the help of our equine partners, clients discover that when our stories change, we change. The path towards self discovery, recognizing patterns, self reflection, setting goals and creating an action plan, has never felt so effortless!

Contact us for pricing, dates and times.

NOT ALL Asheville Equine Therapy instructors are licensed medical professionals in the mental health field.

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are scheduled with one of our dedicated mental health professionals.

Asheville Equine Therapy is proud to be a NCSEAA Provider. Through the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, ESA (Education Saving Account) and NC Disabilities Grant programs, qualified participants' costs are covered.

Volunteer Opportunities

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see” -Mark Twain

 “Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – James Matthew Barrie

Do you want to learn about horses AND help your community at the same time?! Volunteer today! We provide volunteer training before each session/workshop. Get in touch with us today for details and scheduling.

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You Can Help Make a Difference

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Sponsor a Participant

By sponsoring a participant you make it possible for someone to enjoy the healing powers of horses that would not be able to do so otherwise. Our participants THANK YOU!!

Sponsor an Equine Partner

Sponsoring an equine helps contribute to the care, feed, hay, farrier and veterinary needs of our equine partners. Every penny helps, our equine partners THANK YOU!!

Make a Donation

Make a true change! Not only do we need the generosity and involvement of people like you, we appreciate every contribution going towards making Asheville Equine Therapy Inc. an even better EAS program and non-profit organization than it already is. Our staff, participants and equine partners THANK YOU!!

Upcoming Events


Are you a Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech Pathologist?  

Are you looking to add hippotherapy to your private practice? Let Asheville Equine Therapy provide you and your clients with the facility, the equine partners, and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning to offer a whole new dynamic to your services!

Contact us today for more information

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Contact
Asheville Equine
Therapy Inc. Equine-Assisted Services,
Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship

Get in touch with Asheville Equine Therapy Inc. to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.

Asheville Equine Therapy
P.O. Box 1035
Leicester, NC 28748

Visitations made by appointment only

(828) 630-7551

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