Equine-Assisted Services,
Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship
Who We Are
Asheville Equine Therapy is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and PATH Intl. Center Member. We are driven by a single goal; to enhance the lives of all in the community including those with disabilities, special needs, PTSD and trauma through equine assisted services. While engaging in equine assisted learning, personal growth, coaching, psychotherapy and/or therapeutic horsemanship and riding services, we help build genuine gratifying relationships and make a positive impact in our community with the assistance of our equine partners and skilled professionals.
FEIN #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
Meet Our Executive Director
Meg Hill
Executive Director/CTRI/ESMHL/CPC
&
Horse Powered Reading and Math Facilitator
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!
Meet Our Natural Horsemanship Specialist
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 skills. 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!
Meet Our Equine Therapist
Heather Thompson Rainey, PhD, LCMHC
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
With over 20 years of experience in the field of counseling, Heather integrates aspects of self compassion therapy, narrative therapy, relational cultural theory, and internal family systems therapy to help clients reconnect with themselves and others in meaningful ways. Her approach is holistic, recognizing that true well-being is shaped by connection—connection to self, to others, to nature, and to a sense of meaning and purpose.
At Asheville Equine Therapy, Heather combines the healing power of nature with the wisdom of horses. These intuitive animals offer immediate, non-judgmental feedback, helping us develop awareness, confidence, and authentic connection. In sessions, participants might be working on things like:
🐴 Becoming more aware of our present moment thoughts, feelings, and sensations
🐴 Cultivating a kinder, more accepting sense of self
🐴 Exploring, understanding, and integrating neglected or misunderstood parts of self
🐴 Discovering relational patterns and developing new, authentic ways of relating
🐴 Learning strategies for supporting the nervous system and reducing stress
🐴 Practicing new skills and perspectives in a supportive environment
🐴 Rewriting old narratives to embrace your power, inner wisdom, and resilience
If you’re looking for a therapy experience beyond traditional talk therapy—one that embraces movement, nature, and the profound healing presence of animals—let's connect!
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.
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!
Our Programs and Services
Experience Healing and Growth Through the Power of Horses
In today’s fast-paced, screen-saturated world, stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are more common than ever. Research shows that spending time in nature can profoundly improve mental well-being—reducing stress, enhancing focus and creativity, improving sleep, and fostering a sense of connection and purpose.
But what if you could take that healing experience even further?
At Asheville Equine Therapy, we offer a unique, experiential approach that blends the restorative power of nature with the intuitive presence of horses. Equine-assisted services engage the body, mind, and emotions in a dynamic, hands-on process that fosters self-awareness, empowerment, and resilience.
Why Horses?
Horses are highly sensitive, deeply attuned beings that naturally mirror human emotions. Their non-judgmental presence creates a safe and powerful space for healing. Through working with horses, you can:
✔ Build self-confidence and emotional awareness
✔ Develop healthier coping strategies for stress and anxiety
✔ Strengthen communication and interpersonal relationships
✔ Cultivate mindfulness, patience, and problem-solving skills
✔ Reconnect with your inner wisdom and authentic self
No prior horse experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore a new path toward healing and growth.
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.
HOME SCHOOL HORSEMANSHIP
6- week hands - on equine assisted learning and horsemanship for home schoolers and groups. Meeting for 2 hours, participants explore a different accademic subject with the help of our equine partners each week. Academic subjects covered: history, science, math, reading, physical education and art.
Contact us for details, pricing, dates and times.
READING AND MATH RODEO
&
AFTER SCHOOL 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 after school 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!
SILVER SPURS SESSIONS
Horsemanship and riding isn't just for younger generations, it is for ALL generations! Our Silver Spurs Sessions for seniors offers opportunities for both mounted and unmounted sessions and are tailored to the individual and/or groups interests and needs.
Contact us for pricing, dates and times.
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.
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. Vaya Medicaid is also accepted along with the Innovations Waiver for costs of services.
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.
You Can Help Make a Difference
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!!
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
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