Programs - legacysanctuary.org

Where Connection Begins

Horses respond to presence, patience, and trust. They don't care about limitations or labels. They meet you exactly where you are. In the barn and in the saddle, participants discover pride, independence, and a sense of what they're capable of. Some find their voice. Others find their balance. Many find a community that feels like home.

What is Therapeutic Riding?

Therapeutic riding uses the horse and the barn environment to help participants achieve specific goals, whether physical, emotional, social, or cognitive. Each session is tailored to the individual.

The horse's rhythmic, three-dimensional movement mirrors the motion of walking, helping improve balance, coordination, posture, and strength. But the benefits go beyond the physical. Horses respond without judgment, creating a space where participants build confidence and experience independence.

Rider Application Packet

What Participants May Experience

Every person comes to us with their own goals. Some are working on physical strength. Others are building confidence or learning to connect. The benefits of equine-assisted services reach into all areas of life, and often show up in ways families don't expect.

Physical

The horse's movement and warmth help improve balance, coordination, core strength, posture, and flexibility. Riders often see gains that extend into daily living.

Emotional

Working with horses builds confidence and self-esteem. The connection between horse and rider offers something hard to find elsewhere: a relationship built on trust, not words.

Social

Therapeutic riding is a community. Participants, volunteers, and instructors work together in every session. Many families find lasting friendships here.

Cognitive

Riding and ground work require focus, sequencing, and problem-solving. Participants learn through visual, auditory, and hands-on experience, with the horse providing natural, immediate feedback.

Our Programs

Our individualized equine programs are designed to support each participant’s unique goals and needs, guided by experienced Equine Professionals. Whether through ground or mounted lessons, our instructors focus on the whole person.

Mounted Therapeutic Riding

Starting Spring 2026. Safe, goal-based riding sessions led by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Each lesson is tailored to the participant, whether the goal is building core strength, improving communication, or simply experiencing the joy of riding. Our instructors and volunteers work as a team to ensure every rider feels supported.

Ground-Based Horsemanship

We offer equine-assisted programs for children, adults, and veterans navigating physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Our founders are fiercely protective of the vulnerable populations they serve, bringing decades of experience, compassion, and unwavering standards to every session.

Who We Serve

We welcome children, adults, and veterans navigating physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Our instructors are experienced in working with a wide range of needs and are fiercely committed to the safety and wellbeing of every participant.

Summer Farm Day Program

A week on the farm. A summer they'll never forget.

Our Summer Farm Day Program is a fun, hands-on week for children ages 5 to 12, no riding experience required. Children spend their days up close with horses and other farm animals, learning grooming, nutrition, and basic first aid, along with daily barn chores like feeding and mucking stalls.

Through caring directly for animals at the sanctuary, children develop empathy, responsibility, and patience and leave with more confidence than they arrived with. It's a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment where kids can just be kids, with horses.

Children will also have the opportunity to develop basic riding skills at our Massachusetts-licensed stable. Every day has a different clinic theme.

Day Program hours: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Available weeks: July 13 to 17 and July 27 to 31
Cost: $400 per week · $100 deposit to hold your spot
Ages: 5 to 12 · Beginners welcome

Register Here

Secure your child's spot with a $100 deposit. You can pay quickly via Venmo or send a personal check made payable to Legacy Equine Center & Sanctuary and mailed to 26 Strong Street, Easthampton, MA 01027.

First Name (Child)*

Last Name (Child)*

Child's Age*

Select Week*

Week 1 (July 13 to 17)

Week 2 (July 27 to 31)

Guardian's Full Name*

Phone

Email*

Is there anything special that you feel we need to know about your child, including any physical, psychological, emotional or developmental needs that we should be aware of?*

Pay Deposit By Venmo

Be Part of the Herd

Whether you're exploring programs for yourself or a loved one, or looking to volunteer your time and skills, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to Volunteer

Apply for Programs

Our Team Members

Geraldine O'Connor Page

Gerry is a highly respected professional in the field of therapeutic horsemanship, whose journey began as a teenager after a pivotal encounter with Father Wagner. Gerry has dedicated decades to serving thousands of riders at TEC, earning recognition as one of the region’s leading experts. Gerry holds a Master Instructor Certification from the Cheff Center and is a Massachusetts Licensed Riding Instructor.

Beyond her work at TEC, Gerry has coordinated 21st Century After School programs, integrating therapeutic riding to benefit at-risk youth. She currently manages Legacy Farm in Easthampton, where she and her husband Bill continue to foster a passion for helping others through the transformative power of horses.

Nora Britton

Nora began her journey with therapeutic horseback riding at the Therapeutic Equestrian Center at just 10 years old. What started as a childhood passion for horses evolved into a dedicated 20-year career serving riders of all abilities. Volunteering at TEC helped Nora discover her lifelong calling, leading her to become a PATH International Certified Instructor and a Massachusetts Licensed Riding Instructor.

Her deep connection with both riders and horses made the Barn Manager role at TEC a natural extension of her instructing work. Nora is widely respected and admired by riders, families, and the broader horse community for her expertise, professionalism, kindness, and patience. Her commitment continues to make a meaningful impact on everyone who benefits from her guidance and care.