Utah State University’s Center for Equine-Assisted Services provides structured programs that use interactions with horses to support learning, personal development, physical activity, confidence, and community connection. Through USU Extension and the Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, the center combines community programming with education, research, and professional development in the growing field of equine-assisted services.
Programs are available for people with a range of ages, abilities, and interests. Adaptive Riding provides horseback riding instruction adapted for individuals with intellectual, physical, or developmental disabilities. Horse-Powered Reading uses ground-based activities with horses to complement reading practice and social-emotional learning, giving participants an interactive way to connect literacy skills with movement, emotions, and real-world experiences.
The center also offers Equine-Assisted Learning activities that use experiences with horses to encourage education, personal development, communication, leadership, teamwork, and other life skills. Military-focused programs include Ride Utah!, which provides trail-riding experiences for military personnel and an invited guest; Drive Utah!, which offers horse-drawn wagon experiences for military families and individuals who cannot ride; and Valor Detachment, a mounted drill team for veterans and active-duty military personnel.
At the Wasatch Front location in Kaysville, Resiliency Wranglers uses ground-based horsemanship to develop confidence, resilience, leadership, connection, and shared experiences. Rising with Horses provides another equine-assisted program through the Kaysville location.
Programs are currently offered in Wellsville at the Sam Skaggs Family Equine Education Center and in Kaysville at the Davis Agricultural Heritage Center. Families and participants can contact the appropriate program team to determine which experience best fits their needs and to learn about current enrollment and requirements.
Overall, USU’s Equine-Assisted Services program provides meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, connect, and build skills through structured experiences with horses.
