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.
NCEFT’s team of licensed therapists, certified instructors, and dedicated volunteers, work together to create a safe and supportive environment for participants. These programs include:
Physical and Occupational Therapy:
- Physical and Occupational Therapy in a variety of settings/environments including our indoor clinic space and/or incorporating medical-quality equine movement into the session which has been proven to produce measurable and functional therapeutic results.
- Individual and group services for children, adolescents, and adults with mental health challenges or chronic illness.
- Specialized programs for US military veterans and first responders.
- Community Outreach programs as part of our commitment to serving additional diverse and underserved populations.
- Resilience retreats to promote stress relief and enhance communication and team building.
- Resilience camps for youth.
Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship:
- Adaptive Riding and Horsemanship lessons
- Horsemanship Academy
- Happy Trails Camp
- Special Education School Programs
- Employment Skills Internship Program
Learn more about our programs here.
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.
NCEFT adheres to the highest standards of professionalism, safety, licensing, accreditation, and fiscal integrity. We hold Platinum status with Guidestar.org, a top rating with GreatNonProfits.org, Guardian status with EQUUS Foundation (indicating the highest standards of horse care), and we have the distinction of being the only Northern California Facility member of the American Hippotherapy Association.
