The Red Barn

Description of Organization

The mission of The Red Barn is to promote and provide equine-assisted services to low income individuals with disabilities and special circumstances. 

The agency began in 2012 as a small O’Neal family-run operation on 34 acres in Leeds. The family had personal experience with the healing power of horses and wanted to share that with those in need. Children from all backgrounds and socioeconomic situations were welcomed and taught to work with horses. The benefits of working with horses along with the overwhelming need for services in the community led to The Red Barn expanding rather quickly. From one horse in a small red barn with one riding instructor to now 18 horses, 15 staff members, 34 pristine acres, and a large volunteer base, the agency anticipates continued growth. 

Programs offered include:

Equine Assisted Horsemanship provided in therapeutic horseback riding lessons taught by certified riding instructors. These are weekly horseback riding lessons, which may also include ground work with horses.

Equine Assisted Learning is provided by classes and camps taught by our employees. These may be held weekly or on a one-time basis.

Veterans and their families participate in any of our programs at no cost to them as part of the Anthony Clay Ward program for veterans.

Horse Sense helps law enforcement officers and children with communication disorders learn about each other while they also learn about horses.

Training is offered regularly to our staff members, volunteers, similar agencies, and those all over the country in the form of continuing education seminars, hands-on training sessions, and certification clinics.