Helping Horse Therapeutic Programs

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Wendell, NC
Helping Horse Therapeutic Programs

About Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding provides recreational therapy disguised as fun for people with disabilities in the Triangle area.
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We provide equine-assisted programs that foster joy and well-being through connections with our horses and team members in an uplifting and inclusive environment. Trained volunteers lead the horses while one or more "side walkers" provide support and assistance to the rider according to his or her needs. Riders receive strength and coordination therapy while also learning horsemanship skills. Benefits of Therapeutic Riding:
• develops balance
• increases coordination
• strengthens muscles
• promotes independence
• builds self-confidence

Why Therapeutic Riding? Horseback riding pushes the rider physically, emotionally and mentally, especially the rider with special needs. The strenuous physical demands of horseback riding stimulate the development of strength, endurance, balance, coordination and flexibility. Riding as therapy allows development of physical capabilities in a stimulating, natural environment. Some of our riders who have been non-verbal for years have spoken their first words on horseback. The exhilaration of being in tune with an animal so large and strong is empowering for people whose day-to-day dealings with the physical environment are so difficult. Developing a “seat” builds self-confidence and security that extend beyond enhanced enjoyment of our classes to improved emotional well-being generally. The joy of riding provides a recreational and social outlet for riders and their families for whom such opportunities are usually limited. Outcomes of Therapeutic Riding:
• understanding human differences
• acceptance
• social experiences

01/24/2026

There's only one week left of our 2025 End of Year Campaign, Unbridled Hope, and we need your help to raise ✨THE LAST 16% TO REACH OUR GOAL!✨

Jerry, one of our First Responders and Veterans Program participants, says “Coming back to the horses gives me the opportunity to practice being present and mindful in my physical state. The horses remind me to not get discouraged when things are not easy and they help me stay positive. I can now walk up to 3 miles and find peace in where I am today.”

Read Jerry's inspirational story and donate through our Unbridled Hope website:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

01/17/2026

We have two weeks left in our End Of Year Campaign and are at 80% of our $80,000 goal - YOU can help us get there !!

Pixie is a beautiful brown and white paint mare, is easy to fall in love with. She is gentle and affectionate and is often one of the first to come greet you (or check your pockets for treats) when you enter the pasture she shares with three other mares. A volunteer says of Pixie, “She is super sweet and easy to be around. She’s also strong-willed and will let you know if she doesn’t like something or want to do something; she likes to do things in her own time. Pixie has a gentle soul and loves being on the trail, where she seems to feel right at home.”

Before coming to Helping Horse, Pixie spent time as a lesson horse at an English lesson barn. She did a bit of showing and jumping, and lots of trail rides, traveling via horse trailer all over North Carolina and Virginia to explore new places.

Pixie then entered semi-retirement. She was much loved and cared for, but was living alone in her pasture without a job to do. Her owner felt that Pixie had far too much to give to be fully retired, so she came to us.

When she came to Helping Horse, Pixie showed incredible potential as a therapeutic horse. Unfortunately, this potential was overshadowed by age-related arthritis and stiffness in her joints, and the need to build confidence in her new environment. We could see that Pixie had so much intelligence and tenderness to offer, and that it would be well worth it to provide medical support and a training routine for her that would give her the space and comfort to learn her new job.

After receiving biannual joint injections and being shown the ropes by our dedicated training team, Pixie has emerged as one of the most versatile and requested horses in our program. She is the first to prick her ears forward and check on her riders with an perceptive, kind-hearted attention that makes everyone melt.

Pixie will continue to need ongoing medical and conditioning support, and is one of the horses that demonstrates the tremendous impact that this investment can make.

If you are able, please consider donating to our End-of-Year Campaign. Learn more at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

01/02/2026

Twelve year-old Anna Saparilas joined Helping Horse in the summer of 2024, drawn by her natural love for animals. Diagnosed with ADHD and high-functioning autism, Anna thrives in calm, supportive environments–and she found exactly that at the farm. The horses, the fresh air, and even the barn cats help her feel relaxed and happy each time she arrives.

Through her lessons, Anna has gained confidence, improved her ability to follow multi-step directions, and expanded her skills in both riding and horse care. She especially enjoys her time with her instructor, Simone, and volunteer Horse Leader, Christin, who have formed special bonds with Anna. Their shared conversations about Greek mythology have become a joyful part of each session, helping Anna feel understood and supported.

At home, the changes are clear. Anna’s parents, John and Laura Saparilas, say “Being part of Helping Horse has been a blessing for our family. We’ve seen Anna’s anxiety decrease and her confidence grow with each session. The support from the instructors and the peaceful environment have helped her feel more self-assured-both at the farm and in everyday life.”

With busy schedules, her parents don’t often get to watch Anna participate in activities - making her time at Helping Horse especially meaningful. “I look forward every week to coming out to the farm and watching her ride,” Laura shares. Helping Horse has become a place where Anna can shine, connect, and continue discovering her own strengths - one ride at a time.

Help more people from our community experience the transformative programs at Helping Horse by donating to our Unbridled Hope campaign today!
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DUg

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from all of us at Helping Horse... with Christmas carols! 🎅❤️🎄

12/23/2025

More holiday greetings from our amazing riders!

12/22/2025

Season's Greetings from all of us at Helping Horse!

12/03/2025

Today is Giving Tuesday, a global movement of generosity, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities.

We humbly ask you to consider supporting Helping Horse today, and further our mission to serve our own community and foster joy via our equine-assisted programs.

There are many ways you can help us!

☑ Attend our Holiday Festival this Saturday, December 6th - 100% of the proceeds from this event go back into our programs.

☑ Donate to our End of Year Campaign, Unbridled Hope.

☑ Consider volunteering with us.

For more information, just visit helpinghorse.org, and use the buttons on the homepage to explore each of these options.

Thank you for all you do. ❤

12/02/2025

Your Holiday Festival questions, answered!

Have a question that isn't listed here? Send us a message, or post it in the comments 👇🏽

For more information, you can also visit https://hh25holidayfest.givesmart.com/

12/01/2025

❄️ Join us for the Holiday Festival at the Farm! ❄

This event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, from 4-8 PM at Helping Horse, located at 5104 Riley Hill Road, Wendell, NC.

We'll have fun for the whole family with pony rides, hay rides, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a hot chocolate bar, a wine and whiskey wall, gift baskets for sale, a meet and greet with Pixie and Pearl, the mini horses, lottery games for kids and adults, and more!

If you'd like to enjoy a hot Italian dinner on the night of the event, be sure to pre-order it right here: https://hh25holidayfest.givesmart.com/

You can also pre-order activity tickets, or purchase them on-site on the night of the event.

This event is open to the public, so please invite your family, friends, and neighbors. The more, the merrier! ALL of the proceeds from the festival will go directly back into Helping Horse's programs.

11/28/2025

Today we're launching our End of Year Campaign, Unbridled Hope!

This year has been our most successful to date, with significant growth in our riding program and our First Responders and Veterans (FRV) program. We could not have done this without all of you, and we are extremely grateful for the contributions you have made to Helping Horse this year.

Please consider supporting our campaign so we can raise enough money to support our helping horse community, herd, and home in the coming year.

Visit our campaign site to learn more and make a donation:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/J45DU

11/19/2025

Have you pre-ordered your dinners for the Helping Horse Holiday Festival at the Farm?

Don't miss a night of festive fun that includes a delicious Italian meal, hot dogs for the kids, pony rides, face painting, games for kids and adults, hay rides, a hot chocolate bar, bounce house, and more!

All proceeds from this event will go directly to Helping Horse's programs!

This event is open to the public, so invite all your favorite people. ❤

Please note that you must pre-order your dinner before the event. You can also pre-purchase activity tickets, or you can buy them the night of the festival. Just visit https://hh25holidayfest.givesmart.com/

11/12/2025

T has been up since 5am ready to do farm chores, thank you very much. Where have YOU been? 🐈‍⬛

Address

5104 Riley Hill Rd
Wendell, NC
27591

Website

https://helpinghorse.org/, https://Horseshoe2025.givesmart.com/

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