Equine-Assisted OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Where Purposeful Therapy Meets the Healing Power of Horses
Now Accepting New Clients in Dutchess County , NY
At PonyUp4Kids Foundation, Occupational Therapy becomes something extraordinary. Our licensed, experienced OTs partner with our gentle, intuitive horses to create a therapeutic experience that is motivating, calming, and deeply effective. This is therapy that doesn’t feel like therapy — it feels like connection, confidence, and possibility.
Whether your goal is emotional regulation, sensory integration, motor development, trauma recovery, or building independence, our equine‑assisted OT program offers a powerful, research‑supported path forward.
Equine‑Assisted Occupational Therapy in Dutchess County
Let us guide your child in developing and igniting their potential.
If your child consistently experiences any of the sensorimotor signs or indicators listed below, and these challenges persist over time, impacting their daily functioning, it is recommended to consider a comprehensive Occupational Therapy (OT) evaluation or intervention:
- Over or under reaction to sensations (sound, touch, taste & smell, light, or movement)
- Seeking increased amounts of sensations, such as constantly touching people or objects, always “on the go”, humming or making repetitive sounds
- Decreased self-regulation such as becoming easily frustrated, impulsive behaviors, need for control, increased tantrums or melt downs
- Decreased attention and listening, easily distracted by sounds, people, or objects in then environment
- Has difficulty in crowded or noisy areas, may cover ears or retreat on a regular basis
- Difficulty sitting still or falls out of chair without cause
- Frequently gets lost or has trouble finding objects in a busy background, such as in a drawer
- Decreased fine & gross motor skills, may appear clumsy, with poor coordination and balance
- Awkward grasp, poor handwriting
- Has difficulty manipulating tools with hands or with tasks that require using 2 hands together
- Difficulty completing self-care tasks such as dressing, bathing, brushing teeth, cutting nails, toileting, self-feeding with utensils
- Picky eater, preferring to only eat certain types of food or textures
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Loves movement such as excessive spinning, running around, jumping, crashing into people/objects
- Avoids engaging with movement-based equipment such as swings, slides, ramps
- Seeks out deep pressure such as tight hugs, squeezing self into small spaces
- Appears floppy with low muscle tone, decreased strength and stamina, tires easily, slumped over posture
- Often leaning or propping onto furniture, walls, or people
- Trips and falls regularly
- Uses too much or too little force such as writing with too much or too little pressure, moves quickly or with big movements
- Difficulty engaging in reciprocal or two-way interactions
- Difficulty engaging with same-age peers, and maintaining friendships
- Prefers to play alone or difficulty joining into play with others
- Difficulty being flexible with changes in routine or transitioning between tasks
Build the brain-body connection through equine-assisted occupational therapy
Contact us to schedule your free consultation.
Experience Occupational Therapy — the PonyUp4Kids way
Why Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy at PonyUp4Kids?
Horses bring something truly special to the therapeutic process. Their calm presence, honest feedback, and ability to mirror human emotion create a safe, grounding environment where clients can grow in ways traditional settings can’t always achieve.
Benefits include:
- Improved emotional regulation - Horses naturally lower stress and anxiety, helping clients feel calm and centered.
- Strengthened motor planning & coordination - Grooming, leading, and barn activities build balance, strength, and body awareness.
- Enhanced sensory processing - The barn environment provides rich, meaningful sensory input that supports regulation.
- Better communication & social skills - Horses respond to body language and intention, helping clients practice clear, confident communication.
- Increased independence & confidence - Caring for and working with a 1,000‑lb partner builds self‑esteem like nothing else.
- Purposeful, meaningful engagement - Clients are motivated because the work feels real, rewarding, and empowering.
And yes — sessions can be mounted or unmounted, depending on each client’s goals and comfort level.
Who We Serve
Our program supports:
- Children, teens and adults with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays
- Individuals recovering from injury, trauma, or neurological conditions
- Survivors of abuse, violence, and trauma
- Individuals in recovery
- Veterans and first responders
- Underserved families seeking accessible, holistic care
If traditional therapy hasn’t been the right fit, equine‑assisted OT may be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
Now Accepting New Clients
Licensed, experienced Occupational Therapists
- Trauma‑informed, sensory‑aware, neurodiversity‑affirming approach
- Safe, supportive, welcoming environment
- Rescued horses who have been rehabilitated and trained for therapeutic work
- A program built on compassion, science, and meaningful human‑animal connection
This is not just therapy — it’s transformation.
If you’re seeking a therapeutic approach that is holistic, motivating, and life‑changing, we would love to support you.
Call (845) 724‑7128 to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Equine‑Supported OT for Children, Teens, and Adults
What Sessions Look Like-
Each session is guided by a licensed Occupational Therapist and supported by our trained equine staff. Activities may include:
* Grooming and caring for horses
* Leading horses through obstacle courses
* Sensory‑rich barn tasks
* Groundwork exercises that build focus and body awareness
* Purposeful routines that support independence and confidence
Every activity is chosen with intention, aligning with the client’s therapeutic goals.
A Meaningful, Motivating Approach to Therapy
For many participants, working with horses makes therapy feel natural, engaging, and empowering. The barn becomes a place of progress, connection, and purpose — a space where breakthroughs happen in real time.
Individual EAOT and Group EAOT Programs
Cathy Reid, MS, OT/L; SIPT – EAOT Director
Cathy is a licensed Occupational Therapist with a Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Shenandoah University in Virginia. As the OT Director and an Equine‑Assisted Occupational Therapist (EAOT) at the PonyUp4Kids Foundation, she blends clinical expertise, sensory‑based practice, and the therapeutic power of equine movement to support individuals in developing meaningful, sustainable skills.
Cathy specializes in Sensory Integration and is certified in Sensory Integration and Praxis (SIPT) through Western Psychological Services and the University of Southern California (USC). She uses a Sensory Integration therapy model to help individuals strengthen self‑regulation, motor planning, coordination, and functional independence.
In her role as PU4K OT Director, Cathy designs the Foundation’s social group curriculum and brings extensive training in Social Thinking® Methodology. She incorporates evidence‑based strategies that support both neurotypical and neurodivergent learners in developing social competencies, improving flexible thinking, strengthening executive functioning, and navigating self‑regulation challenges.
Cathy is also deeply committed to advancing the OT profession. She has developed fieldwork education affiliations with SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University (Brooklyn), Columbia University, and the University of Southern California (USC), helping shape the next generation of occupational therapists.
Her dedication to underserved communities extends beyond the clinic to the barn. Cathy understands the profound impact that environment and architecture have on human performance and well‑being. She has designed multiple sensory gyms - including a recent project in Crown Heights, Brooklyn - and is currently developing sensory spaces in Bedford‑Stuyvesant as well as sensory rooms abroad in Ghana.
A former collegiate and semi‑professional soccer player, Cathy brings her athletic training into her therapeutic approach, emphasizing teamwork, perseverance, and growth mindset. She believes that co‑regulation, resilience, and flexible thinking are essential tools for helping individuals of all abilities achieve meaningful, long‑term outcomes. Her signature strength lies in helping individuals get “unstuck” by fostering adaptive thinking in everyday situations and creating sensory‑supportive environments that promote success.
Cathy’s blend of clinical expertise, creativity, and heartfelt commitment makes her an invaluable leader within the PonyUp4Kids Foundation and a powerful advocate for the individuals and families she serves.
Document Success Stories Through Equine ASSISTED WELLNESS
PARTNER WITH PONYUP4KIDS
PonyUp4Kids Foundation is seeking passionate Occupational Therapists (OTs), Physical Therapists, Psychologists and Social Workers looking to collaborate with us in a unique opportunity. Partner with us to bring your clients to experience the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy while documenting their progress in a compelling 8-12 week case study.
About the Opportunity:
As a partner, you will:
- Introduce your clients to PonyUp4Kids’ equine assisted activities and nature-based programming.
- Work with our team of equine experts to create personalized equine-assisted plans that leverage the unique benefits of equine therapy, hippotherapy and/or therapeutic horseback riding.
- Document and analyze the progress of your clients, culminating in a case study that highlights the success and impact of this innovative approach.
Why Partner with PonyUp4Kids?
This collaboration offers a rare opportunity to:
- Expand Your Expertise: Explore equine therapy and nature-based interventions in a supportive, real-world setting.
- Highlight Client Success: Develop a meaningful case study to showcase the progress and potential of your clients.
- Contribute to Innovation: Be part of a program dedicated to redefining how therapy is delivered, with a focus on compassion, creativity, and connection.
What We’re Looking For:
- Licensed Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, Occupational Therapists and Physical Therapists (with active client caseloads and/or willing to accept new PU4K clients) who are eager to explore new approaches.
- A passion for working in collaborative, dynamic environments.
Join Us in Documenting Transformative Outcomes
This is volunteer role perfect for professionals seeking to bring their clients into a creative, impactful program while contributing to the growing field of equine-assisted therapy. If you’re ready to partner with PonyUp4Kids and create a case study that highlights the power of this approach, we want to hear from you.
PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc.
- Phone: (845) 724-7128
- Email: info@PonyUp4Kids.com
To learn more fill out a Volunteer Application at www.PonyUp4Kids.com. Your support is welcome!
Be sure to LIKE and FOLLOW PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. on Facebook for more information.
"Horses gave my child strength, balance and confidence making her life better."
