About Us

Mission
The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club provides exceptional, safe, fun and educational Equine Assisted Activities to individuals of all ages and abilities with and without special needs. Horses enjoy a second career with Helping Horseshoe, which keeps them from becoming part of the unwanted horse population. Established as a not for profit corporation, The Helping Horseshoe Therapeutic Riding Club provides quality instruction by an experienced, certified instructor at an affordable price.
Vision
  • Enrich people's lives through experiences
  • Inspire personal growth for our staff, clients, volunteers
  • Nurture & develop new skills, independence and learning
  • Support the betterment of our local and equine communities
  • Create sustainable programs
We Value ...
  • The safety of people & horses
  • Creating a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone is welcome
  • Creating a lasting relationship between horse and person
  • Acting with integrity
  • Respect of the horse
  • Enhancing a meaningful and rewarding experience for our volunteers
  • Providing professional and caring services
  • Encouraging personal growth
  • Sharing our passion

Programs

We have a variety of mounted and unmounted programs for individuals with and without special needs.

  • Private and group therapeutic horseback riding lessons for individuals with special needs
  • Standard able-bodied horseback riding lessons, group & private, for adults and children, dressage, hunt seat and western, pleasure & working
  • Summer day programs
  • Horsemanship programs, unmounted
  • Opportunities to compete
  • Opportunities for Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts
  • Senior programs
  • School trips
  • Birthday parties
  • Introductory horse experiential lesson for non equestrians
  • Diversion and enrichment programs for at risk youth and individuals recovering from addiction
  • Job training
  • Community service opportunities

Meet Our Team

"Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much." – Helen Keller

Kara Stark McGrew

Certified Instructor

Kara is the founder, director and primary instructor of Helping Horseshoe. She is an active member of the HRH of NJ, the state organization for therapeutic riding programs. She manages the state horse show and also hosts the area 3 Special Olympic show for HRH. Kara holds her coaches certification for Special Olympics in Equestrian and is a PATH, Inc advanced certified instructor for therapeutic riding.

Our Horses

Herd Members

Our horses make Helping Horseshow what it is. They often enjoy a "second life" here with us and love their new jobs.

Our Volunteers

Human Members

We are forever grateful for all of our volunteers: past, present, and future. They help with barn care, side-walking and everything in between! Please contact Kara today if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with us!

Interested in Helping Horseshoe: Contact Us Today!

Kara Stark McGrew

Phone: (973) 579-9537

Email: dkmcgrew@embarqmail.com

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