Our Unique Approach to Equine-Assisted Services

1. Is Cheyne Ranch a therapy provider?

Answer:
While Cheyne Ranch is not a licensed therapy provider, we proudly host independent licensed professionals—such as speech-language pathologists and mental health counselors—who offer their services on-site. These providers may choose to incorporate the ranch's peaceful setting, animals, and sensory-rich environment into their work.

If you are scheduled with one of these independent professionals, then yes—you are receiving licensed therapy. If the session includes time with horses or other animals, it may be considered a form of equine-assisted therapy, facilitated by that licensed provider.

2. Do you offer equine therapy at Cheyne Ranch?

Answer:
We understand why families describe us as a "therapy-oriented, connection-driven barn." Our programs often deliver emotional and developmental benefits that feel therapeutic.

That said, it's important to clarify:

• Cheyne Ranch’s core programs (such as PALS) are not clinical therapy.

• We do not offer licensed hippotherapy or other forms of medical or therapeutic treatment.

Instead, our mission is to provide adaptive, inclusive, and neurodiversity-affirming programs that use the human-animal bond to build confidence, life skills, and a sense of belonging.
This approach allows us to make a positive impact that is both accessible and sustainable for our community.

3. Can my child receive speech therapy at Cheyne Ranch?

Answer:
Yes! Speech and communication goals can be supported through sessions with a licensed speech-language pathologist who provides services on-site at Cheyne Ranch.

These sessions often take place in and around the farm, incorporating movement, play, and natural sensory experiences to support each child’s unique needs.

Find out more here: Speech Therapy

4. Will my child ride horses during speech therapy?

Answer:
Sometimes, yes, but only when it’s safe and developmentally appropriate.

In those cases, speech therapy may include mounted work, involving a team of four:

• the child

• the horse

• the licensed therapist

• a trained horse leader

Mounted activities are determined through a thorough safety and readiness assessment.

All mounted sessions are conducted under PATH International safety standards, and Cheyne Ranch is proud to be PATH Intl. certified, following nationally recognized best practices for equine-assisted services.

Please note: Mounted speech therapy requires:

• Advance scheduling

• An additional fee to cover the extra staff and safety support involved

5. Do you offer hippotherapy? What is it, exactly?

Answer:
Hippotherapy is a highly specialized form of treatment in which a licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapist uses the precise, multi-dimensional movement of a horse as part of a clinical treatment plan.

These therapists must be certified through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).

At this time, we do not offer hippotherapy, and we are not aware of any AHA-certified PTs or OTs currently offering it locally—it can be difficult to find in many areas.

What we offer instead is a farm-based, adaptive riding experience and hands-on ground activities that support a range of developmental and emotional goals. While our on-site speech therapist may include horse interaction when appropriate, this is distinct from formal hippotherapy.