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5 Decades Of Healing: Inside AHEAD With Horses Inc. And Their 2025 Equine Therapy Programs

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AHEAD With Horses Inc. (AWH) is a remarkable nonprofit organization that has been at the forefront of developmental therapeutic programs for over five decades, utilizing the profound connection between children and horses to facilitate growth and healing. Founded in 1968, the organization's unique approach, centered around therapeutic vaulting, offers disabled, disadvantaged, and special needs children a path to maximize their physical, mental, and emotional potential in a supportive and engaging environment. As of December 20, 2025, AWH continues its vital mission in the Los Angeles area, adapting to modern challenges while preparing for key events like their 44th Annual Children's Demonstration and Fun Day.

This deep dive into AHEAD With Horses Inc. explores the foundation of their success, the distinct nature of their equine-assisted therapy programs, and the most current ways supporters can contribute to their ongoing efforts to ensure every child has the opportunity to "Ride, Smile, and Grow." The organization, headquartered in Shadow Hills, California, stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of the horse-human bond for children facing a variety of developmental challenges.

AHEAD With Horses Inc. Organizational Profile and Legacy

AHEAD With Horses Inc. (AWH) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developmental therapy, education, and recreation for children with special needs.

  • Full Name: AHEAD With Horses, Inc.
  • Acronym: AWH
  • Mission Statement: To maximize the potential of disabled, disadvantaged, and special-needs children by providing developmental therapy, education, and recreation through equine therapy.
  • Founding Year: 1968
  • Founder: The late Liz Helms, an equine enthusiast who strongly believed in the learning and achievement potential of everyone.
  • Location/Headquarters: Shadow Hills, CA (Los Angeles Center for Developmental Therapy).
  • Core Program: Therapeutic Vaulting (gymnastics on a moving horse).
  • Target Population: Children and youth with all types of disabilities, including physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
  • Charity Rating: Has earned a 3/4 Star rating on Charity Navigator, indicating sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability.

The organization’s long-standing history, spanning over 57 years, underscores its commitment to the Los Angeles community and the field of equine-assisted activities. AWH is a crucial resource for families seeking effective and non-traditional therapeutic interventions for their children.

The Unique Power of Therapeutic Vaulting: More Than Just Riding

While many organizations offer therapeutic riding, AHEAD With Horses Inc. specializes in a distinct modality: Therapeutic Vaulting. This program goes beyond simple horseback riding, incorporating gymnastics and exercises performed on the back of a moving horse.

Therapeutic vaulting is a dynamic, multi-faceted approach that provides various physical, mental, emotional, and social benefits. The rhythmic, three-dimensional movement of the horse is similar to the human walking gait, which helps stimulate and normalize muscle tone, balance, and coordination—a key component often associated with hippotherapy.

The exercises performed during vaulting are carefully chosen to address specific therapeutic goals for each child. These movements can range from simple balance poses to more complex routines, all while the child is safely supported by trained volunteers and a therapist. This structure fosters a deep sense of accomplishment and self-confidence. The combination of the horse’s movement and the physical demands of the exercises makes AWH’s program a powerful developmental tool.

Key Components of the Therapeutic Vaulting Program:

  • Physical Development: Improves posture, core strength, motor planning, and sensory integration.
  • Cognitive Skills: Requires following directions, concentration, and sequencing of movements.
  • Emotional Growth: Builds self-esteem, reduces anxiety, and encourages emotional regulation through the bond with the horse.
  • Social Interaction: Promotes communication and teamwork with therapists, volunteers, and peers.

The Profound Benefits for Special Needs Children

The testimonials and long-term success stories from AHEAD With Horses Inc. highlight the profound impact their equine therapy has on children with disabilities. Parents often report seeing "leaps and bounds" in their child's development, achieving milestones that were once considered impossible.

The program serves a broad spectrum of special needs children, including those with Cerebral Palsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD), developmental delays, and various emotional and learning disabilities. The horse acts as a co-therapist, providing immediate, non-judgmental feedback that is crucial for therapeutic progress.

Topical Entities & Benefits of AWH's Program:

The therapy is designed to address multiple developmental areas, making it a holistic intervention. These benefits include:

  • Motor Skills: Enhanced gross and fine motor skills.
  • Language Development: Improved verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Sensory Integration: Regulation of the vestibular and proprioceptive systems.
  • Emotional Well-being: Reduction in stress and frustration, and an increase in patience.
  • Behavioral Improvements: Better focus and impulse control.
  • Family Support: Providing a unique and positive activity for the entire family unit.

The sheer joy and pride demonstrated by the children during their sessions and public demonstrations are powerful indicators of the program's success. The ability to control a large, powerful animal instills a sense of mastery and confidence that permeates all aspects of their lives.

2025 Initiatives and How to Support AHEAD With Horses Inc.

As a nonprofit developmental therapeutic vaulting program, AWH relies heavily on community support, donations, and fundraising efforts to keep its vital services accessible. The organization faced significant operational and fundraising challenges in recent years, particularly due to events like COVID-19, making ongoing support more critical than ever to help them survive and thrive.

For 2025, AWH is focused on continuing its high-quality program delivery and engaging the community through key annual events. The best ways to support the organization's mission are through direct donations, volunteering, and participating in their scheduled events.

Upcoming Key 2025 Events and Initiatives:

The organization's calendar is anchored by its annual showcase, providing a public platform for the children to display their remarkable progress.

  • 44th Annual Children's Demonstration and Fun Day: This major event is scheduled for June 14th, 2025. It is a thrilling opportunity for the children to showcase their riding and vaulting skills to their families and the public.
  • Tack Sale: A planned event for November 1, 2025, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PDT at their Shadow Hills facility (10157 Johanna Ave.). These sales are vital for generating funds and clearing out necessary equestrian equipment.
  • Urgent Support & Fundraising: AWH has emphasized the need for urgent support to maintain operations and continue its equine therapy program for first responders and special needs children. Donating directly helps fund horse care, facility maintenance, and therapy sessions.

The organization is always looking for dedicated volunteers to assist with horse handling, therapeutic sessions, and administrative tasks, offering a truly rewarding experience for those who wish to contribute their time and passion for horses and children.

Conclusion

AHEAD With Horses Inc. is a cornerstone of the equine therapy Los Angeles community, offering a specialized and profoundly effective therapeutic vaulting program. Since its inception by Liz Helms, the organization has remained steadfast in its mission to unlock the potential of children facing developmental challenges. By integrating the unique benefits of the horse’s movement with targeted physical exercises, AWH provides a pathway for children to gain strength, confidence, and joy.

As AWH moves forward into 2025, its continued success hinges on the generosity of its supporters. The legacy of "Ride, Smile, and Grow" is a testament to the power of therapeutic vaulting, ensuring that this vital developmental therapy remains available to the children who need it most in Shadow Hills, CA, and the greater Southern California region.

5 Decades of Healing: Inside AHEAD With Horses Inc. and Their 2025 Equine Therapy Programs
ahead with horses inc
ahead with horses inc

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