Meet Hamilton, a 13-year-old Cleveland Bay at EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program. Hamilton is a therapy horse, loaned by his owner to join the herd of 21 horses and ponies providing equine-assisted activities for children and adults with special needs, including mental health, physical, emotional, social, and cognitive challenges.

At EQUI-KIDS, Hamilton participates in various programs, supporting individuals ranging from age 5 to seniors in their 90s. This includes providing equine therapies to children and adults with special abilities, military service members and veterans through the EQUI-VETS program, as well as first responders via EQUI-HEROS. 

[pull quote] With 64% of participants under 18 and with over 150 distinct diagnoses served, Hamilton plays a crucial role in helping an average of 100 to 120 participants each week at the 92-acre farm off Sandbridge Road in Virginia Beach. [end pull quote]

Founded in 1989, EQUI-KIDS offers a variety of services, including therapeutic riding, therapeutic horsemanship, equine-assisted learning, and psychotherapy with licensed mental health providers. They also provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, job coaching, summer inclusion camps, and educational programs. EQUI-KIDS aims to create impactful, life-changing experiences for participants, donors, volunteers, and the wider Hampton Roads community.

Supporting Hamilton’s work is vital, and one meaningful way to help is by contributing toward his care. Co-sponsoring an EQUI-KIDS horse or pony offers a personalized way to show support. Each horse helps provide essential services to a diverse community, offsetting costs for feed, hay, supplements, tack, farrier fees, and veterinary wellness plans. Maintaining the herd is one of the organization’s most significant expenses, even with community support and service donations.

If you’d like to directly support Hamilton, you can scan the QR code provided or call 757-721-7350 to discuss ways to help the EQUI-KIDS mission. Your generosity helps ensure that Hamilton and his fellow therapy horses can continue making a difference in the lives of a group of extraordinary Virginians.