Not at all. Programs are designed with beginners in mind, and many participants will have little or no prior experience with horses. All interactions are guided, gentle, and fully supported.

No. We offer programs guided by a variety of professionals (educators, riding instructors, therapists) but it is not therapy or clinical treatment. While the experience may feel personally meaningful or restorative, it is not intended to diagnose or treat mental health conditions.

Our focus is on respectful, mindful connection with the horses through observation and gentle care. Many of our partner horses are aged or have health conditions, but they are still valuable members of our learning community.

Contact us if you’d like referrals for businesses that offer horseback riding instruction.

While Stable Space prioritizes serving under-resourced communities within the bounds of 465, programs are open to residents from any address!

Absolutely! We’ve gotten feedback from past participants that they loved having time to nurture their connection with horses without an agenda. Traditional riding lessons sometimes bypass instruction on equine body language and communication, groundwork, and basic care. In other cases, participants have only been exposed to a dominance-based approach to horsemanship and enjoy getting to learn gentle leadership.

We cannot always predict how a horse will behave, but we take many measures to mitigate risk. We have a 3:1 (participant to staff) ratio at minimum. Facilitators and volunteers have years of horse experience and are aware of signs of stress in the horses. Participants are quickly taught the safety rules of interacting with horses and the WHY behind these rules.

Snacks, a water bottle, and close-toed shoes are a must! Dress for the weather, as we will be outside or in an open air barn for every activity. We recommend having a rain jacket, rain boots, sunglasses, gloves, and a hat on hand. Please apply sunscreen and/or bug spray before arriving.