Horses. Hope. Healing.
Three simple words that when combined have the power to transform lives.
Located in Woodside, California on the San Francisco Peninsula, NCEFT is internationally recognized as a pioneer and leader of equine-assisted programs. Since 1971, NCEFT has tapped into the profound rehabilitative power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing to thousands of children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities and mental health challenges. Typical client diagnoses we treat include, but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down syndrome, autism, developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, stroke, genetic disorders, ADHD, and learning or language disabilities, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, social isolation, grief, and loss.
Pairing licensed therapists and practitioners with horses is at the heart of NCEFT’s programming, which includes:
Physical & Occupational Therapy:
- Physical and Occupational Therapy services provided both outdoors utilizing equine movement and in our indoor clinic.
Mental Health & Resilience:
- Individual Services
- Group Services
- 10-Week Resilience Workshops
- Community Outreach Programs
- Retreats
Adaptive Recreation & Learning:
- Adaptive Riding (riding and horsemanship lessons adapted for an individual’s ability)
- Horsemanship Academy (ground-based horsemanship skills and education)
- Happy Trails Camp
- Special Education School Programs
- Employment Skills Internship Program
NCEFT adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency, and fiscal integrity. NCEFT holds Platinum status from Guidestar.org, a top rating with GreatNonProfits.org, Guardian status with EQUUS Foundation (indicating the highest standards of care for horses), and we have the distinction of being the only Northern California Facility member of the American Hippotherapy Association.
NCEFT’s Mission Statement: NCEFT is dedicated to helping children, adults, and military Veterans with special needs reach beyond their boundaries through equine-assisted therapies, education, and research.
