PonyUp4Kids Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of people through horse power.

Coming home isn’t always easy. Veterans often carry invisible wounds — post‑traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and the struggle to adjust to civilian life. Horses 4 Heroes was created to stand beside them, offering a sanctuary where healing happens through the powerful connection between horse and rider.

At the heart of our program is the S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship method — Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful. This approach builds trust, confidence, and resilience while teaching clear communication and calm connection with horses. Every ride, every moment in the arena, restores balance, fosters empowerment, and reminds veterans they are never alone.

Here, veterans and their families find more than a program — they find a community. Together, we rebuild strength, discover peace, and take steps toward a brighter future. And with your support, this healing continues — every gift keeps the barn doors open and the horses ready to serve those who served us.

Veterans and families interested in joining Horses 4 Heros, click here.

Life can be overwhelming. Stress, anxiety, trauma, and major transitions affect thousands across Dutchess County and beyond. At PonyUp4Kids Foundation, we believe true healing doesn’t have to happen in a traditional office setting.

Through our Body Mantra Equine Wellness Sessions, participants step outdoors, connect with horses, and discover a powerful new path to balance, resilience, and renewal. Developed by neuroscientist Dr. Christine Grimaldi, the Body Mantra Method blends science, mindfulness, and the intuitive wisdom of horses to restore harmony in mind, body, and spirit.

Whether you’re a busy professional, a survivor rebuilding after trauma, a veteran navigating transitions, or a parent supporting a child with diverse needs, our equine‑assisted sessions provide a safe, compassionate space to relieve stress, rebuild confidence, and revitalize your spirit.

With donor support, these life‑changing experiences remain accessible to families, veterans, and community members who need them most. Every gift ensures horses continue to serve as intuitive partners in healing.

Click here to learn more and sign up.

At PonyUp4Kids, we welcome children, teens, and adults to experience the life‑changing benefits of guided horseback experiences. Our inclusive programs support individuals navigating emotional, behavioral, intellectual, or physical challenges — including those on the autism spectrum, survivors of abuse, veterans and their families, and members of underserved communities.

Through our signature S.A.F.E.R. Horsemanship method — Safe, Achievable, Fun, Effective, Respectful — healing begins on the ground. Participants first learn to connect with horses through groundwork, building trust, communication, and confidence. From there, they progress to riding, where resilience, empowerment, and life skills grow step by step in a safe, judgment‑free environment.

These hands‑on experiences enhance mobility, balance, posture, coordination, language skills, behavior regulation, and focus, offering meaningful physical and emotional growth.

Whether connecting with a rescued horse or embracing cowboy values in our Confidence Corral, PonyUp4Kids is more than a riding program — it’s a sanctuary where healing begins, friendships form, and every hoofbeat leads to empowerment. And with your support, this journey continues — every gift keeps the barn doors open and the horses ready to serve.

Interested in joining our programs? Learn more here.

For many, the sterile environment of a traditional therapy office can feel limiting, making it difficult to truly open up and heal. PonyUp4Kids Foundation is redefining the therapeutic experience by harnessing the transformative power of horses.

Through equine‑assisted activities and equine‑facilitated wellness programs, participants step out of the office and into the arena, where nature and connection foster emotional growth, resilience, and lasting change. Our signature approach creates a safe, dynamic environment that helps individuals struggling with stress, trauma, or anxiety discover new pathways to wellbeing.

With donor support, these life‑changing experiences remain accessible to children, families, and veterans who need them most. And for professionals seeking to expand their practice, PonyUp4Kids offers a proven, innovative model of equine‑facilitated healing that bridges traditional therapy with experiential growth.

Want to learn more or schedule an appointment?  Click here

Looking for a unique way to support personal growth, confidence, and emotional wellness? PonyUp4Kids Foundation is proud to partner with New York State’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to make equine‑assisted activities and wellness experiences accessible through Self‑Direction budgets.

At our year‑round facility in Union Vale, NY, participants build social skills, regulate emotions, and connect with others through meaningful interactions with horses. We work closely with families, brokers, and care managers to ensure every session is aligned with OPWDD guidelines and properly documented in your Life Plan.

With donor support, we expand access beyond state coverage, reaching underserved families who might otherwise go without. Together, we make sure horses can be part of every journey toward growth and healing.

Families enrolled in Self‑Direction can click to learn more here.

PonyUp4Kids Foundation bridges the gap between mental health expertise and the transformative power of horses. Our equine‑assisted programs invite psychologists, therapists, and counselors to collaborate with certified equine specialists, creating a safe, supportive environment where horses act as co‑facilitators in the healing process.

Together, we help clients achieve breakthroughs in emotional regulation, confidence, and resilience — often more quickly than in traditional settings. With donor support, these innovative sessions remain accessible to families, veterans, and community members who need them most, while giving professionals a proven model to expand their practice.

Professionals interested in learning more can explore collaboration opportunities here