New Hope Equine Assisted Therapy is a PATH, INTL. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Int'l) center serving the needs of people with a wide variety of special needs. We combine traditional instruction in balanced seat horseback riding with concepts of physical, occupational, speech, and social & emotional therapies to improve riders in the following areas: Physical, Developmental, and Social & Emotional. Physical- improves core strength, muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, stamina, endurance, and relaxation; stretches spastic muscles, increases range of motion, and promotes sensory integration. Developmental- improves motor planning and problem-solving skills, bolsters ability to follow directions, and helps hand-eye coordination. Social & Emotional- improves self-esteem, self-confidence, sense of well-being, patience, and self-discipline; increases emotional control, and develops courage. Our horses are typically donated or adopted for use by our participants, who learn to care for their horse and tack as well as learning to ride. They enjoy our sensory trail where they can interact with many different learning activities while on horseback, which can improve their balance and core strength while using commands to direct the horse. Also, they discuss and describe objects that are associated with each activity.