Healing Strides

03/19/2026

In 2023, the Surgeon General released a landmark Advisory that identified loneliness and social isolation as urgent public health concerns in the United States.

Many of our services, including recreational therapy, are uniquely qualified to play a critical role in addressing loneliness and social disconnection in our communities. By partnering with horses, we can creative unique opportunities for experiential growth and learning!

For more information about our programming, call our main office at (540) 334-5825 to get started!

03/17/2026

Save the date and join us on May 16th for the first installment of our women's retreat series!

This interactive, multi-generational women’s retreat will be guided by a Professional Mental Health Clinician and Certified Equine Professionals. Spend the day exploring your personal values, identity, and unique worth through hands-on equine experiences, meaningful conversation, and guided growth activities.

✨ Breakfast bites & coffee
✨ Lunch & handcrafted mocktails
✨ Special take-home activity
✨ Movement & interactive experiences

Register before April 15th to secure early-bird pricing: https://app.healingstridesofva.org/womens-retreat-information

03/16/2026

Join our volunteer community!

Volunteers help us facilitate horsemanship lessons and other programs, special events, and keep our herd healthy and happy! Get in touch with Anna, our volunteer coordinator, at (540) 613-1827 or submit an application online. 🕺🐴

03/12/2026

Our 2026 Vendor Application is now LIVE for the 2026 Boones Mill Apple Festival!

After record-breaking attendance in 2025 with over 5,000 visitors, we are excited to invite our community to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this beloved Franklin County tradition. Submit your application before April 1st to get Early Bird pricing!

Head to http://bit.ly/4rO2ySk to fill out the form or call (540) 334-5825 with questions.

03/11/2026

03/10/2026

Get ready to tee up for a great cause and join us at our 5th Annual Golf Tournament on April 27th!

Registration for our 5th Annual Healing Strides Golf Tournament is now LIVE!! https://bit.ly/4c4GX3h

Interested in being a sponsor? Get all the info at https://app.healingstridesofva.org/golftournament

03/08/2026

Meet Margaret!

With 13 years of teaching at HSVA under her belt, Margaret is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and also holds instructor credentials with the USHJA! When she's not at the barn, you can find her cheering for the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) or playing mahjong.

Want to join us for our upcoming spring session? Visit https://www.healingstridesofva.org/participants for an application or call (540) 334-5825 to learn more!

03/07/2026

Coming up in a few days! Join us for a special screening of Part 1 of Rescued Hearts, the brand-new documentary! Through real-life transformations, expert insights, and emerging science, Rescued Hearts invites us into a deeper understanding of how horses help us reconnect to our hearts, our truth, and our capacity to heal.

The screening will be followed by a heartfelt conversation with Carol Young, CEO of Healing Strides, Barbara Robbins, Founder the HALT Foundation and Elise Greene, LCSW who bring this work to life in our community. Bring your curiousiry and your questions. We look forward to seeing you. Get your tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/rescued-hearts-documentary?fbclid=IwY2xjawQK8g5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJ0UjdlczBtRmh2S2xuQ01sc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjGdh6q2KWk01j754iue4okN3uVdTS1mMAq1JUfEAvw0ZpQ3eE-eu9HdLhvF_aem_H02YMiqYsqlxlCRfZl37nQ

03/04/2026

Do you or someone you know love horses? Join us for our Session 2 of Therapeutic Horsemanship at Healing Strides beginning March 23rd! We're proud to offer:

🐴 A welcoming and inclusive barn environment! Riders of all abilities and backgrounds can learn and grow together toward their individual goals.
🐴 Openings for returning and new riders, ages 4 and up!
🐴 Convenient lesson availability, including after school hours
🐴 Mounted and unmounted lesson opportunities are available
🐴 Our staff of certified instructors are qualified to teach absolute beginners through jumping courses—and everything in between!

Visit https://www.healingstridesofva.org/participants for an application or call (540) 334-5825 to learn more!