Welcome to Horse ’N Soul
Come on in! We can’t wait to introduce you to the barn.
About Us
At Horse ’N Soul, we’ve always recognized the power that horses have. They can teach us more about ourselves than we can learn on our own.
We bring that power to people looking for healing, inspiration, solace, or something besides traditional therapy — something exhilarating but comfortable, too.
We are two organizations in one location:
A Non-Profit Horse Barn
We are a 501(c)(3) that delivers equine-assisted therapy, equine-assisted learning, and therapeutic riding to adults and children with mental, emotional, physical, cognitive, or career challenges.
A Riding Academy
We offer lessons in various riding styles, prepare riders to show their horses in competition, and teach horsemanship skills. We also provide boarding services. Visit the Horse ’N Soul Riding Academy website for more information.
What We Believe
The name “Horse ’N Soul” reflects our spirit and our faith. Here is what we believe:
We are a Christian organization. We seek to glorify God with everything we do, in and out of the saddle.
Not all our clients are Christian, and that’s okay! Our programs and services are for everyone.
Horses are highly attuned to humans. When we’re with them, they match our energy.
But on a deeper level, horses just get us. They don’t merely match our energy but reveal our hearts.
When you allow yourself to be present with a horse and pay close attention to him, you will learn so much about yourself.
This self-awareness is powerful. You can use it to change your life.
Our Credentials in Equine-Assisted Services
Eagala
Horse ’N Soul is Eagala-certified. Eagala (the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is the global standard for therapy and development through the use of horses. It requires 6,000 hours of hands-on work with horses plus ongoing equine education, including horse psychology, body language, and groundwork.
American Association of Christian Counselors
We are trained in Christian counseling techniques and topics from AACC, including biblical counseling, mental health counseling, crisis response, trauma care, suicide prevention, and life coaching.
The Barn at a Glance
118 rolling hills in Western Pennsylvania
Washington, PA, about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh
25 horses, including six different breeds
Nine across 30 acres, filled with grasses, fresh water from local ponds, and shade trees and run-ins for shelter.
20,000 Square Feet
Surface of river sand
Five stalls at 10×10 square feet each
1 Certified Equine Specialist
4 Riding instructors
5 Administrative staff
10 Volunteers
2004: Riding Academy
2022: Non-profit for equine-assisted services
Our Values
Horse ’N Soul exists to put our values into practice. Here is what we focus on building every day:
Relationships
Authentic, supportive relationships are our top priority in both our equine-based services and our riding academy. We strive to know all our clients well. And we take on new ones only if they want to know us, too. We don’t accept absentee boarders.
Connection
Horse ’N Soul is a family, and we welcome you into it! We work hard to make you feel at home here. At our barn, you’ll find riders and families cheering each other on and giving tender, loving care to their horses.
Confidence
Horsemanship delivers outdoor experiences and hands-on skills that have gotten a little lost in the modern world. They help people discover what they’re capable of and believe in themselves.
Responsibility
Working with and riding horses is a privilege. To do it well, you must practice respect, patience, accountability, discipline, and leadership. These instill a sense of responsibility that our clients carry forward into their lives.
Horses: Our Philosophy and Approach
Horses are one of God’s majestic creatures. And they are wired for connection with us.
Since ancient times they’ve helped us become better workers and better people.
Here is how we keep our horses healthy and happy:
Horses are designed to graze and keep each other company in the field for 23 hours every day. We honor this with ample space for them to roam, rest and horse around (it’s a figure of speech for a reason!).
Horses are social animals who need our attention. We ensure that our clients care for and exercise their horses regularly. All our staff loves our magnificent four-legged friends too.
Our veterinarian is part of the Horse ’N Soul family. We make sure our horses are healthy from mane to tail and head to hoof. They are bright and alert, and happy to see you!
