The Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center in Waymart, Pennsylvania, is helping people of all ages and abilities experience healing, growth, and learning through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy.
Founded as a nonprofit in 2007, Fair Hill offers evidence-based equine-assisted programs for individuals with disabilities, children in foster care, and youth who have experienced developmental trauma. The center provides services regardless of participants’ ability to pay, making therapeutic horsemanship accessible to all.
Sally Wasylyk, President of Fair Hill, explained, “Horses are incredibly sensitive to human behavior. They bond with people only when they feel authenticity, and this makes them key partners in therapeutic programs.”
Fair Hill’s programs go beyond pony rides. Participants engage in grooming, groundwork activities, and riding sessions designed to improve balance, coordination, strength, and cognitive skills, while fostering emotional growth.
One participant, Caitlin, a 34-year-old adult who is blind and recovering from strokes, has seen dramatic improvements in her mobility, strength, and overall well-being through these sessions.
Maintaining these programs requires significant funding. The center relies on donations, volunteer support, and fundraising events such as the upcoming Swing for the Hill Golf Tournament. Costs include horse care, veterinary services, and program staff.
Community support is vital. People can volunteer, sponsor a rider or a horse, make donations, or help spread the word about Fair Hill’s mission. “Every contribution helps make equine-assisted therapy accessible to those who benefit most,” Wasylyk said.
Learn more or get involved at fairhill.farm and follow Fair Hill on Facebook.
Image: Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center provides Equine Assisted Services in Therapeutic Horsemanship and Learning . (Credit: Fair Hill Therapeutic Riding Center).