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- Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center
Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center
Watsonville, CA 95076 United States Get Directions
Since 1993, Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center has been serving the community of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
Our Mission
MBHTC is a 501c3 non-profit therapeutic riding center that offers equine-assisted behavioral modification for all levels of physical and emotional needs. We encourage and enable participants of every ability level to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. We promote and cultivate community participation in all aspects of our working horse ranch, the barn, and its extended life skills programs. We teach skills that transition to work and independence through both mounted and unmounted equine activities. We serve a range of clients of all ages, including those with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, MS, and para/quadriplegics.
MBHTC is a proud member of the United States Pony Club Central Coast.
“This is an incredibly freeing thing for our clients. They’re matched with an incredibly athletic animal who can be their legs, their arms, and do things they normally can’t do. When they get up there there’s a feeling of achievement.”
— Anne Pearson, Santa Cruz Sentinel “High on the Horse”
Our Story
Monterey Bay Horsemanship and Therapeutic Center located in the beautiful grounds of the Monterey Bay Academy of La Selva Beach exists for the healing and development and freedom of young lives who have been damaged or in some way unaccepted by the world we live in. For the last 27 years we have been on this beautiful campus and over those years have built and created a therapy center that is like no other.
The many hands it has taken to be where we are now is amazing. The countless volunteer, mentors, barn buddies, moms, and dads who have taken time out of their busy days to help build under the guidance of contractors, electricians, the staff that worked without salaries for many years, the generosity and support of Monterey Bay Academy, we have been blessed.
We have developed our programs one at a time in response to where the need is. We currently have the following programs: The Respite Program, Saturday Club Program, The Young Adult Program, Community Integration, and the Work Program. We also have a Unites States Pony Club and lesson program.
We run a 30-stall barn that houses our amazing partners in therapy! It is an idyllic setting that promotes relaxation which makes it a wonderful place for those that are hurting.
We work with clients from 2 years old to 70. Although the majority of the clients are within the autistic spectrum, we have not had a need that cannot be met by our wonderful horses and staff. If you think your loved ones or family has a challenge that has not been met, come and visit us. Outside the box is our specialty.