Animal Sessions provide
unique opportunities for
children to experience guided
interactions with animals
at Joy Meadows.

Animal Sessions • Hippotherapy (Horse Therapy)

During an Animal Session, each child is paired with a Session Leader whose sole purpose is to listen to the child, connect in a meaningful way, and provide an opportunity for fun engagement and experiences with animal-based activities.

The activity is based on the specific needs and interests of the child. Some of these activities may include:

interacting with and learning to care for the smaller barn animals
creating art projects related to animals
learning to groom, communicate with, and ride a horse safely

Animal Sessions are a fantastic way to develop meaningful connections, learn caretaking skills, and have fun!

Animal Sessions

April - November

Harper Wolf
Outdoor Programs Manager
Email Harper →
Call Harper →

Cost & Registration for Animal Sessions

Children living in a foster or adoptive home, ages 5 and up, may register for a term of Animal Sessions—50 minute sessions for 4 consecutive weeks.

Thanks to generous donations, the cost of sessions is free.

There is a $20 registration fee.

*We ask that families only sign up a child for a maximum of 2 4-week terms so that this opportunity is available for as many children as possible.

Email harper@joymeadows.org to be placed on a waitlist for additional terms in case of cancellations.

Register

From the Greek word “hippos,” meaning “horse,” hippotherapy is a medical treatment utilizing the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a treatment strategy to address functional goals.

In simpler terms, through hippotherapy, a specially trained occupational therapist applies the horse's movement, rhythm, and repetition as a treatment strategy to help patients achieve therapeutic goals.

Hippotherapy = Horse Therapy

Costs/Registration for Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is led by Lindsey Phillips, OT with Pediatric Connections, and our specialist at Joy Meadows.

Sessions will be available for children who are current clients of an OT at Joy Meadows who determine hippotherapy would be beneficial as a treatment option. (Click here to find and sign up for OT).

Registration and cost will be handled through the Pediatric Connections office, and insurance will be billed.

Hippotherapy will open starting summer of 2023.