A Day that Stayed with Us : Visiting Special Strides

Some places leave a lasting impression the moment you arrive. Our visit to Special Strides was one of those experiences.

Located in Monroe, NJ, Special Strides has spent more than 3 decades being dedicated to providing equine-assisted therapy and adaptive riding services to individuals with special needs. From the miniature horses used for unmounted equine-assisted therapy to the peaceful environment of the vast property, it was clear that every aspect of the program was centered around the well-being and tranquility of their riders. 

The highlight of our visit was meeting Laurie Landy, the founder of Special Strides and owner of Congress Hill Farm. Laurie was so informative, spending over 2 hours talking about all the amazing work going on at Special Strides, all while giving us a tour of their 200-acre property. Hearing her passion for making equine-assisted services accessible reminded us that therapeutic riding is about far more than learning to ride—it is about creating opportunities for growth, inclusion, and belonging.

A particularly memorable part of our visit was learning about Special Strides' ground-based sensory training with their miniature horses, Romeo and Juliet. While many people associate equine therapy with riding, Laurie explained that some participants benefit most from interacting with horses on the ground. Through grooming, leading, sensory activities, and simply spending time alongside these gentle miniature horses, participants can develop sensory processing skills, communication, emotional regulation, and self-confidence in a calm, supportive environment.

Watching Romeo and Juliet interact with participants was a beautiful reminder that the size of a horse does not determine its impact. Their gentle personalities create an inviting environment where individuals can build trust, practice new skills, and experience the unique bond that horses offer.

As we toured the facility, we also saw the dedication of the instructors, volunteers, and staff who work together to ensure every participant has a safe and meaningful experience. Every lesson is carefully tailored to meet individual goals, whether those involve improving balance, strengthening coordination, increasing communication, or simply providing a space where participants feel accepted and successful.

One feature that especially stood out to us was Special Strides' sensory trail and outdoor playground. Designed to encourage exploration and play, the trail incorporates engaging sensory experiences while allowing children to interact with nature in a relaxed environment. Along the way, participants can stop at the playground to climb, swing, and play, making therapy feel fun rather than clinical. The combination of movement, outdoor exploration, and time spent alongside horses creates an environment where children can build confidence, strengthen motor, balance, sensory skills, and simply enjoy being kids. It was inspiring to see how Special Strides thoughtfully extends learning beyond the arena, creating spaces where every part of the experience supports growth, curiosity, and joy.

Our visit reinforced one of Gentle Gallop's core beliefs: horses have an incredible ability to connect with people in ways that words often cannot. Whether through mounted therapeutic riding or ground-based interactions, equine-assisted services create opportunities for physical, emotional, and social growth that can truly change lives.

We are incredibly grateful to Laurie Landy and everyone at Special Strides for welcoming us and sharing their knowledge. Their commitment to inclusion, compassion, and innovation continues to inspire our mission at Gentle Gallop to educate others about the life-changing impact of equine-assisted services.