SPECIAL STRIDES

The year 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of Special Strides which was founded as a

not-for-profit 501c.3 in 1998 by the owners of Congress Hill Farm, Laurie and Sam Landy.

Laurie Landy, an accomplished Occupational Therapist (OT), wanted to create a therapy

environment that was integrated with nature, combining the enriching attributes of a farm and

the partnership of a horse. Laurie became convinced of the benefits of utilizing the power of a

horse during her time as a school-based OT when she brought a group of students to the farm.

A child who was unable to communicate began uttering words for the first time as she sang a

song after a mounted activity; a boy who used a walker to ambulate no longer needed it after

three mounted experiences. Empowered, Laurie knew she had to bring this technique to more

people living with challenges.

As a lifespan practice, we provide equine assisted services (EAS) to 110 clients each week ranging in age

from 12 months to 77 years. In 2022, with our equine herd of 17 horses we provided 2,914

unique sessions of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) including Physical Therapy, Occupational

Therapy, Speech Therapy, Adaptive Riding, and Equine Facilitated Learning. We are a leader in

the industry, known for our excellence in quality of care, equine welfare, and disability

education.