Community Partnership

Special Equestrians

Time with therapy horses for grieving children — in partnership with Special Equestrians of Warrington, PA.

Healing alongside horses

Several times a year, Hands Holding Hearts partners with Special Equestrians in Warrington for a session created especially for children who have experienced the loss of someone important to them.

Together, children groom and ride gentle therapy horses and take part in a guided activity and discussion about grief and loss — building comfort, connection, and confidence in a calm, supportive setting.

Many children find it easier to open up when their hands are busy and a gentle animal is close by. The quiet rhythm of the stable, and the trust that grows between a child and a horse, can create space for feelings that are hard to put into words — and remind grieving families that they are not alone.

Child wearing a helmet riding a horse with an instructor at Special Equestrians

What to expect

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Who it’s for

Grieving children ages 4–17. Up to 10 participants per session.

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What you’ll do

Groom and ride gentle therapy horses, plus a guided activity and discussion about loss.

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When & where

6:30–8:00 PM at Special Equestrians, 2800 Street Rd, Warrington, PA 18976.

Cost is $30 per participant, made possible by a generous grant from Special Equestrians. Pre-registration is required.

2026 session dates

Each session runs 6:30–8:00 PM. Registration closes shortly before each date.

2026

September 1

2026

December 1

From the Stables

Moments with the Horses

Grooming, riding, and quiet moments of connection — a look at the time our families share with the therapy horses at Special Equestrians.

A Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special EquestriansA Hands Holding Hearts family spending time with the therapy horses at Special Equestrians

Before You Ride

Two Forms to Complete

To join a session, please complete both forms below. Both are required before your first visit. Use the buttons to switch between them.


Participant Intake & Release

Tell us about the rider so we can plan a safe, supportive session. A few questions are optional and used only for grant reporting.

Participant Name
Guardian Name
200 lbs. maximum.
Gender
Race / Ethnicity
For grant reporting purposes only.
For grant reporting purposes only.
Does the rider receive or qualify for any of the following?
For grant reporting purposes only.
Ambulatory Status
Sitting Balance
Please check any area where the participant has a problem and/or has had surgery
Use the comment box below to explain any checked area.
May we contact the participant's physician if additional information is needed for safety precautions?
Photo / Website Release (required — please select one)
Acceptance
Participant / Volunteer Name (Print)
I am signing as:
Must be signed by a parent or guardian if the participant is under the age of 18.

Finished? Tap 2 · Release & Consent above to complete the second form.

Release, Photo & Confidentiality Agreement

Please review and sign this before your first visit.

Name (Print)
I am a:
Release and Hold Harmless Agreement

“You assume the risk of grief support, training and activities pursuant to Pennsylvania Law.”

The program at Hands Holding Hearts provides education, support, and therapy for children, teens, and adults who have experienced the loss of a significant person in their lives. All staff and volunteers working with clients have had personal and/or professional experience and training with loss and grief.

No participant will be accepted for bereavement services, and no volunteer accepted for service, until this form has been READ, UNDERSTOOD, COMPLETED AND SIGNED by the parent(s) or guardian(s) of a minor, or, if the participant or volunteer is of legal age and sound mind, by the participant or volunteer.

Although participation in the program is under strict supervision and every effort is made to avoid injury or accident, the undersigned acknowledges the inherent risks involved in engaging in grief counseling, workshops, and programs. This includes bodily injury from nature walks and craft projects, and emotional distress that may arise from discussing the loss.

I acknowledge the risks and potential for injury that may occur with the activities of grief counseling, programs, and workshops, and I have discussed these risks with my child and/or his/her/my physician. However, I feel that the possible benefits to myself/son/daughter/ward are greater than the risk assumed. I therefore agree to be legally bound, for myself (or for my son/daughter/ward), heirs, executors or administrators, and do hereby agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify Hands Holding Hearts, its Board of Directors, Therapists, Volunteers, Employees and the Township of Newtown, its Employees, Supervisors and Associates, harmless of any claim for loss, injury or damages of every kind and nature whatsoever while at Hands Holding Hearts located at 118 N. State St., Newtown, PA 18940, or while off the property in conjunction with a Hands Holding Hearts program.

Photo / Website Release (you must choose one)

I consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by Hands Holding Hearts of any and all photographs and audio-visual materials for promotional printed/web purposes, teaching seminars, and exhibition display.

Confidentiality Agreement

Hands Holding Hearts shall preserve and respect the right of confidentiality for all individuals in our Bereavement Program. The board members, volunteers and staff of Hands Holding Hearts must keep confidential any and all medical, social, referral, personal, and financial information regarding individuals and their families in our program. The Executive Director of the program will address any breach of confidentiality. I understand and agree to abide by the confidentiality policy of Hands Holding Hearts.

I am signing as:

Join an upcoming session

Pre-registration is required, and a signed Special Equestrians consent form is needed for each rider.

Call (445) 444-5374 or email contact@handsholdinghearts.org.

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