Our local hospital is planning to close the therapeutic riding barn, which provides occupational therapy and hippotherapy for children with disabilities. This decision would take away the only program of its kind in our area, leaving families with no nearby access to this life-changing therapy.

Hippotherapy uses the movement of a horse as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, helping patients improve balance, coordination, muscle strength, speech, and emotional well-being. It has been especially beneficial for individuals with cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, stroke, autism, and developmental delays.

For many families, this barn isn’t just a place for therapy , it’s a place of hope, progress, and connection. The therapists, horses, and staff have helped countless patients reach milestones that traditional therapy alone couldn’t achieve.

We understand budget challenges are real but cutting this program would harm some of our community’s most vulnerable members.

We’re asking hospital leadership to:

 • Reconsider the closure of the hippotherapy barn, or

 • Seek alternative funding or partnerships before making a final decision.

Every signature shows that our community values inclusive, evidence-based therapy and stands behind the people it serves.

Please sign and share to help us keep the barn open! Together, we can make a difference!