BRIGHT STRIDES, INC.

The Future is Bright

East Haddam, CT   |  www.brightstrides.org

Mission

Bright Strides is an innovative program developed at the Grateful Pony Horse Farm that combines the symbiotic, therapeutic benefits of equine therapy with art and other holistic therapies, as well as evidence-based psychotherapy, to create a holistic approach to mental health in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our range of mental health and learning programs are open to children and adults, those with special needs, veterans and anyone else who can benefit from the healing power of horses (we think that means everyone!)

Ruling year info

2019

Co-Founder, Executive Director

Danielle Roberts

Co-Founder, President

Vanessa Gottlieb

Main address

9 Old Field Drive

East Haddam, CT 06423 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

82-4846760

NTEE code info

Animal Related Activities N.E.C. (D99)

Equestrian, Riding (N69)

Human Services - Multipurpose and Other N.E.C. (P99)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-N.

Sign in or create an account to view Form(s) 990 for 2018.
Register now

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Equine therapy is a form of experiential therapy grounded in the belief that therapy participants can benefit from interventions in addition to talk therapy that address the relationship between mind, body and spirit. Although equine therapists often work with clients with extremely complex social, psychological and developmental disabilities, current programs fail to leverage the availability of a wide range of complementary therapies, which, together, provide participants with an integrative approach to mental health and wellness.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Integrative Equine Assisted Learning

The basic structure of our integrative equine assisted wellness program is a 3 hour session divided between an art project that changes weekly and horse time. Horse time includes feeding, grooming and bonding with our horses and donkey as well as riding lessons under the instruction of a PATH International instructor certified in equine facilitated mental health and learning (EFMHL) with the help of specially trained volunteers.

Population(s) Served

A trained psychotherapist works on our premises with a PATH Certified Instructor, using the bond between horse and human along with evidenced based treatment modalities to enhance wellness, treat underlying psychiatric conditions and develop coping skills.

Population(s) Served

Where we work

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

Bright Strides aims to pioneer a new sector of integrative mental health and wellness interventions, grounded in the bond between horses and humans as a therapeutic tool, for those with special needs and anyone else struggling to manage symptoms with talk therapy alone. We aim to provide participants with a holistic approach that takes advantage of a wide range of complementary therapies, as well as evidence-based psychotherapeutic modalities, to treat underlying psychiatric conditions, teach coping skills and enhance well-being.

Working with a PATH certified instructor, clients participate in a range of horse related activities, both on the ground and on horseback, as well as an art session to encourage emotional processing and non-verbal expression of emotions. Clients have the option of working with a PATH instructor alone through our Integrative Equine Assisted Learning program, or with both a PATH instructor and a licensed psychotherapist through our Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP), as well as a range of complementary therapies including art, meditation and yoga. Every session is tailored to each participant's emotional goals and needs.

Our organization is run by a PATH International Certified Instructor in Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning, as well as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, and we work closely with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Our 5-acre farm has 6 horses, a donkey, a riding ring, an art barn and a meditation room.

We have created a program that successfully integrates equine therapy with complementary therapies for several groups of special needs participants. We have developed a relationship with a licensed psychotherapist in order to offer clients a truly integrative approach. Our future goals are to broaden our reach to include other populations, including those suffering from trauma such as veterans and victims of abuse.

Financials

BRIGHT STRIDES, INC.
lock

Unlock financial insights by subscribing to our monthly plan.

Subscribe

Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more about GuideStar Pro.

Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

lock

Connect with nonprofit leaders

Subscribe

Build relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.

  • Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
  • Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.

BRIGHT STRIDES, INC.

Board of directors
as of 08/20/2019
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Vanessa Gottlieb