EQUINE ASSISTED Services offers profound physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for individuals of all ages, especially children. It enhances balance, coordination, and muscle tone while fostering confidence and independence. A horse’s rhythmic movement stimulates neurological function, aiding those with motor or sensory challenges. For kids, it’s both fun and therapeutic — building strength and focus without feeling like hard work. It’s also emotionally beneficial.
The bond with the horse grows trust, patience, and self-esteem. Socially, it encourages communication and connection. For those with autism, anxiety, or trauma, horseback riding can provide a calming, empowering, and healing experience that supports holistic development.
For almost three decades, Tullahoma-based nonprofit Horse Play Inc. has been sharing the benefits of equine-assisted services with children in Coffee County and surrounding areas.
According to the organization’s website, Horse Play Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides recreational riding opportunities for special needs children between the ages of 4 and 18. Established in 1997 with just four children and borrowed horses, the organization has grown significantly over its 28 years. It now serves over 50 children, supported by two owned horses, six leased horses, and more than 70 community volunteers.
Today, the organization is operated by a dedicated and professionally trained team of staff and volunteers, led by a program director. The organization adheres to the safety, training, equipment, and instructional standards set by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH).
Horse Play Inc. Program Director Hollie Holder stated that the organization provides three program options: therapeutic riding and horsemanship.
“Our mission is simple but powerful: to help children build strength, refine motor skills, and grow in independence and self-confidence,” she explained. “Through connections with horses and our volunteers and staff, they develop emotional resilience and bonds that last long after their time with us. And thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we’re proud to offer this experience at no cost to our participants.”
Holder, a certified PATH International Instructor herself, began working with Horse Play Inc. as a volunteer.
“A friend of mine volunteered with Horse Play, and our kids were the same age,” she stated. “She knew that I had horses and that I knew a little bit about them. I’ve always loved volunteer work, even as a kid, and so with my children, I wanted to incorporate that into their daily lives, so it started from there.”
Holder continued to rise through her volunteer efforts with the organization, becoming an instructor and then program director.
“In 2020, I became the program director, and I have been doing that ever since,” said Holder. “With my knowledge of horses, I knew I could be helpful in that area. I came to help with the horses, but I fell in love with working with the kids, and I rejoice when I see how they grow each year.”
Growth of all kinds is something the organization has enjoyed watching take place over the last three decades.
“We have continued to grow over the last 30 years,” explained Holder. “We have been able to serve around 50-plus children a year. We expanded sessions thanks to our covered arena. In the beginning, we were only able to hold sessions in good weather, but now we are able to hold classes in the spring, summer, and fall. Class sessions have also been extended from six to eight weeks. And there are now staff to care for the horses, whereas it was always volunteers before. With our needs that have
grown, there came a need for permanent staff. It’s growing slowly, but surely.”
“We always need volunteers,” she stated. “Our biggest need for volunteers is working with children. We need people to side walk with the children to provide them safety and help reinforce the lesson. We also need individuals with horse-handling and care experience.”
Holder added that volunteers are needed in all areas. The organization’s website also has a wish list for items that can be purchased and donated to the nonprofit.
For those unable to volunteer, the organization hosts several fundraisers throughout the year that the community can support, such as Horse Play Inc.’s annual “Horsing Around with Kids” luncheon, Pony Plop, camps, field trips, and more.
Holder has invested almost a decade in helping the organization, and she said she has grown in many ways with Horse Play Inc. She invites the community to join and share the fun and joy Horse Play Inc. brings to all who are involved.
“I have gained knowledge about children with disabilities,” she said. “I am a better mother and aunt because I’m able to see what children need and better ways of handling certain behaviors because of my time with Horse Play,” she said. “I’ve learned better ways of communicating with children and how to take better care of the animals that I have. I’ve grown as a person in my compassion and kindness because of my time here. I have also gained skills that I didn’t know that I had because of taking on all these different roles. I’ve grown each year into a better instructor, program director, and person.” GN
