RHYTHMS OF GRACE

Rhythms of Grace is recognized as an accredited member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l). It is one of eight PATH Int'l centers in the State of Iowa. The Founder is one of 26 PATH Int'l credentialed Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors in the State of Iowa and one of 6 Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning. Adhering to the PATH Int'l industry Standards for safety, facility, programming, policies and procedures is a priority for all aspects of the organization's program services. Equine Assisted Services is an umbrella term encompassing Therapeutic Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Therapy, programs which are medically recognized forms of therapeutic intervention for a number of disabilities. In 2025, Rhythms of Grace partnered with 12 special horses to offer 32 weeks of programming and 952 client hours. Clients represent children and adults with more than 35 primary diagnoses in aggregate. Volunteers provided more than 5,250 hours of volunteer time at a value of $182,647.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy involves our Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) partnering with licensed mental health therapists to offer therapy either unmounted or mounted on a horse for rhythmic riding. Both professionals are also trained in Natural Lifemanship, another certification that's foundation is on connected relationships. Eight (8%) percent of programming was mental health therapy. Hippotherapy, also known as Equine Assisted Occupational Therapy (OT), utilizes the movement of horses for adults and children as young as age 2. A licensed occupational therapist partners with Rhythms of Grace's Certified Instructor to offer OT services for a variety of diagnoses including chronic autoimmune disorders, splastic diplegia, cerebral palsy, stroke recovery, and strength building for more positive life experiences. Twenty-four (24%) percent of programming was occupational therapy.