Shining Horizons began with a passion for fostering meaningful connections between humans and horses. Initially, we focused on our renowned Therapeutic Riding program, which has been a cornerstone of our work.
In recent years, we’ve expanded our offerings to include a variety of mental health - Equine-Assisted Therapy programs, developed in collaboration with licensed therapists. These programs are designed to support neurodiverse children, trauma survivors, and individuals navigating grief/loss, offering a unique approach to emotional growth and personal healing.
A holistic new approach to
mental wellness
mental wellness
The healing power of horses
The healing power of horses
Empowerment for Emotional
and Cognitive Growth
Programming
Our Story
Founded in 1996 and a registered charity since 2014, Shining Horizons has long embraced the therapeutic bond between humans and horses. In 2018, we expanded with a new, community-funded facility near downtown Saint John, NB, enabling us to broaden our impact and offerings.
Horses possess a unique ability to connect with humans through their intuitive and sensitive nature. This bond fosters trust and provides a safe, non-judgmental space for healing. Interacting with horses also offers physical benefits, such as improving balance, coordination, and muscle strength, while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
The calming effect of these interactions encourages mindfulness and promotes a sense of accomplishment.
Our Equine-Assisted Therapy programs are designed to support cognitive skills development, enhance communication, boost confidence, and promote accountability, while also benefiting individuals with sensory processing disorders. Led by licensed therapists, each program is thoughtfully tailored to support emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being, fostering personal growth and a deep connection with our equine partners. Join us in this healing journey and experience the transformative power of horses.
Children, Youth and Adults
Therapeutic Riding
Therapeutic Riding offers life-changing experiences for individuals with diverse needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases, and Down syndrome. Our certified CanTRA instructors and trained staff guide participants through horseback riding activities that promote mental and physical well-being.
Neurodiverse Youth
Equine Assisted Therapy
This unmounted program, tailored for neurodiverse children and youth, provides unmounted activities guided by a licensed Occupational Therapist.
Activities focus on cognitive learning themes including visual and auditory processing, focus, attention, logic, and reasoning.
Neurodiverse Youth
Equine
Assisted Therapy
This unmounted program, tailored for neurodiverse children and youth, provides unmounted activities guided by a licensed Occupational Therapist.
Activities focus on cognitive learning themes including visual and auditory processing, focus, attention, logic, and reasoning.
Our Sponsors
We greatly appreciate the invaluable support of our sponsors and private donors — without their generosity, our programs wouldn't be possible.
No. Only our Therapeutic Riding program is a mounted program, where participants ride the horse. Our Equine-Assisted Therapy program for Neurodiverse Youth is focused on observing and caring for horses and cognitive learning. Similarly, our Equine-Assisted Therapy (Trauma) program is an unmounted program.
No, Shining Horizons offers programming for children (5+), youth, and adults. Our Therapeutic Riding program primarily serves children and youth, although we also welcome adult riders. Due to the composition of our herd, we operate with a weight restriction of approximately 150 pounds. Our Neurodiverse program is focused on youth, with plans to expand it to include adults. Additionally, our Equine-Assisted Therapy (Trauma) program is designed for both youth and adults. Our upcoming Care Farm will serve youth and adults (15+).
Shining Horizons does not provide recreational riding lessons to the general public. We would recommend to contact the Hampton Riding Center / Jennifer Hanson.
Shining Horizons is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing equine-assisted physical and mental health programming to vulnerable populations in our community. Our mission is to ensure that these services are accessible to all. We assist new participants in navigating external funding options and have established a designated fund to support individuals who would benefit from our programs but may face financial barriers. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we are able to offer financial assistance to those in need.
Trauma
Equine Assisted Therapy
This unmounted program is designed for individuals coping with traumatic experiences. Led by a Clinical Psychologist, participants engage with horses whose behaviour serves as a metaphor, prompting reflection on personal experiences and emotions. Instead of asking questions, participants respond to the presence and behaviour of the horses.
Children ages 6-9 years old
Pony Pals
This program is an inclusive experience for children with or without diagnosis.
Participants will engage in horse-related activities such as grooming, feeding, and herd care. During the final session participants will enjoy a ride and receive a certificate of completion.
Individuals with Complex Needs (15+)
Care Farm Project
The project we are currently developing is founded on evidence-based practises known as ‘Care Farming’ or ‘Social Farming’. In this day activity program participants will learn cognitive and life skills in a safe and supportive environment. The program is designed for individuals with Complex Needs who are diagnosed with Autism, ADD, FASD or similar challenges.
