
Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship
Therapeutic riding and horsemanship lessons are available for children and young adults with one or more of the following characteristics: autism spectrum disorder; emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues; experience with violence, abuse or trauma; and/or are at-risk.

City to Saddle
City To Saddle gives 6- to 13-year olds from underserved communities a chance to interact with horses and other farm animals in a relaxing, rural setting.​ Each day, participants groom the horses, learn about horse care, do barn chores, and take a riding lesson. This week-long, half-day summer program is fully funded by generous private donations.
Summer Only (full for 2025)

Horse Tales
Summer Only
Horse Tales is a one-week summer reading and riding program for children who will be entering 4th, 5th or 6th. Each day, participants care for, ride, and spend time working with horses. They also explore books and videos about some fascinating famous horses to strengthen literacy skills.

Wildstar Wranglers
Wildstar Wranglers helps young adults with autism spectrum disorder prepare for future employment. The program teaches basic job skills in a safe, supportive, supervised environment, such as following directions, accepting feedback, initiating tasks and communicating appropriately.

Occupational Therapy with Horses
Occupational therapy sessions incorporate equine movement into an individual’s treatment plan. This strategy, called hippotherapy, is tailored to the needs of each patient. We do not bill insurance but can provide documentation.

Community Visits
Hugo the therapy pony visits schools, recreational/enrichment programs and social service organizations within a 30-minute radius of Sherborn, MA. There is no charge for these visits but a donation is always welcome. Hugo and Polly are registered as a therapy team with the national Pet Partners organization.

Field Trips and Farm Tours
Schools and other organizations can schedule small group visits to Horse SenseAbility at Wildstar Farm. The charge for this unique experience depends on the number and ages of the participants, the activities included as well as the length of the visit.
Why Horses?
As dynamic, sensitive, prey animals, horses communicate through the subtle use of body language. They provide immediate, honest feedback without judgment. Working with these large and powerful creatures naturally creates an opportunity for individuals to overcome fear, develop self-confidence and improve self-awareness.
Participants often perceive therapeutic riding and horsemanship as a more positive experience than traditional therapy, serving as a strong motivator in achieving their therapeutic goals.
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Equine-assisted activities and therapy fosters patience and empathy, deepens the ability to trust and relate to others, increases control over frustration and anger, develops a strong work ethic, improves social and communication skills, and builds self-esteem and self-regulation.
