Our Story
“This is an incredibly freeing thing for our clients. They’re matched with an incredibly athletic animal who can be their legs, their arms, and do things they normally can’t do. When they get up there there’s a feeling of achievement.”
— Anne Pearson, Santa Cruz Sentinel “High on the Horse”
Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center located in the beautiful grounds of the Monterey Bay Academy of La Selva Beach exists for the healing and development and freedom of young lives who have been damaged or in some way unaccepted by the world we live in. For the last 32 years we have been on this beautiful campus and over those years have built and created a therapy center that is like no other.
The many hands it has taken to be where we are now is amazing. The countless volunteer, mentors, barn buddies, moms, and dads who have taken time out of their busy days to help build under the guidance of contractors, electricians, the staff that worked without salaries for many years, the generosity and support of Monterey Bay Academy, we have been blessed.
We have developed our programs one at a time in response to where the need is. We currently have the following programs: The Respite Program, The Young Adult Program and Community Integration. We also have a United States Pony Club and lesson program.
We run a 30-stall barn that houses our amazing partners in therapy! It is an idyllic setting that promotes relaxation which makes it a wonderful place for those that are hurting.
We work with clients from 2 years old to 70. Although the majority of the clients are within the autistic spectrum, we have not had a need that cannot be met by our wonderful horses and staff. If you think your loved ones or family has a challenge that has not been met, come and visit us today. Outside the box is our specialty.
