Barn Buddies

Individualized 45 minutes of recreation, including a therapeutic horseback riding lesson.

Summer Session:

5 Themed Weeks

Fall 2026 Starts:

September 13

2027 Dates

Coming Soon!

Who can attend:

Barn Buddies is for children ages 3 to 12 who have a diagnosis of a disability or disorder affecting their overall mental, physical or emotional health.

    1. Complete an application for services

    2. Schedule a parent phone chat

    3. Complete a medical release (Provided by Justin’s Place)

    4. Schedule and complete a first free intake session

  • Lessons are typically once per week on the same day and time. Seasons of lessons run 5-10 weeks at at time.

  • Lessons cost $45 per 45 minute lesson. If your child is enrolled in non-mounted lessons only, they are $35 per lesson.

  • Children must be 5 years old to ride. They must not have any diagnosis listed as a contraindication according to PATH Intl. This can include severe or unsafe behaviors. Justin’s Place equines have weight limits. Some children may exceed the weight limit of our horses and thus may be not be able to ride.

  • Each Barn Buddies lesson is 1:1, meaning there is one trained therapeutic riding instructor to one child. The lesson is also supported by a horse leader, who is dedicated to the welfare and safety of the horse and often an additional sidewalker volunteer to support the safety of the child.

  • As a parent/guardian, you will always know how your child spent their time at Justin’s Place. We pre-plan each week so that your child has a sense of control and predictability. After each session, you will receive an email with a report on how the session went.

  • Developmental Delay

  • Sensory Processing Disorder

  • Learning Disorders

  • Adjustment Disorder

Common Diagnosis Served:

  • Depression/Anxiety

  • Early Developmental Trauma

  • Genetic Disorders

  • Sensory bins

  • Pet/Feed Goats

  • Pet/Feed Pigs

  • Pet Guinea Pigs

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  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Down Syndrome

  • Cerebral Palsy

  • ADHD

What does a session include?

There is no “typical” session. Barn Buddies are recreation based with the main objective being JOY! We offer a PECS type menu of options that allow participants to choose how to spend their time and to know what is on their plan each week. Lessons have the option to include up to 30 minutes of a therapeutic horseback riding lesson. Below are just some of the activities offered:

  • Pet Bunnies

  • Pet Chickens

  • Bubbles, Chalk, Art

  • Learning Games

Helpful Links

Medical Release Form

Apply For Barn Buddies

Email Program Director