Our Mission
Great and Small provides Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) to children and adults of all ages affected by a range of physical, developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities. Through a supportive and therapeutic engagement with horses we strengthen and empower our riders, helping them develop their full potential.
"When I Ride, I Soar"
Rider fees account for only 30% of Great and Small's annual budget. Your contributions allow Great and Small to continue to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies to children and adults with special needs. Now, more than ever, we need the support from generous donors to bridge this funding gap.
Thank you, Deere Valley!
For the whole month of May, Great and Small received all the tips from the ice cream window! Please continue to visit for excellent ice cream and support their good work!
Memorial Day break May 24-26
Spring session ends June 14
Summer Session: July 14-August 23
Fall Session: Sept 8-December 20
No lessons Nov 24-30
Upcoming Volunteer Trainings
New 2025 Volunteer Orientations:
Saturday June 7, 2025 2 pm-4 pm
Wednesday July 9, 2025 12 pm-2 pm
Saturday July 26, 2025 2 pm-4 pm
Note: Orientation attendance requires submission of Volunteer Application and an RSVP.
Leader Training / Groom & Tack Training
Next leader training is June 26 from 5 pm-6 pm. Please RSVP to info@greatandsmallride.org. Thank you!
(New Volunteer Orientation is a pre-requisite for horse leader and groom and tack trainings.)
All Volunteer Orientations/Leader Trainings require RSVP. See Volunteer Page for more information and to sign up.
Participant Families: Six Week Summer Session for therapeutic/adaptive riding begins July 14, 2025 and runs until August 23. If you would like to be added to the waitlist for Summer Session, please email
Testimonials
My experience of children with disabilities is that they are frequently not in charge of even the smallest parts of their own destiny. But, when you physically pick them up and put them on a 1,200 lb. horse, there is this wonderful sensation of them finally, not only being in charge of their own destiny, but another huge animal and that is very powerful.
Sarah Phelps | Founder, Great and Small
You don't have to take our word for it, here is what our community has to say about Great and Small...
Laura, Mom
Having heard a bit about therapeutic horseback riding, I was curious how my autistic daughter would respond to it. I shouldn’t have wondered; she took to it like a girl to a horse! She’s been riding for two years now and has really developed some impressive instincts and skills that I wouldn’t have thought possible before she started riding. Every staff member and volunteer at Great and Small has assisted with her skill development with their patience, creativity, and positive attitude. And I am thrilled every time I get to see how proud she is of herself. I feel very fortunate for having found Great and Small for our daughter!
David Godoy, Student
I am from Ecuador, South America. Therapeutic horseback riding has been a great experience for me as an individual with special needs. Not only do I enjoy riding the horse, I love it! I am also very appreciative of the help and love of my trainers, Tania, Laurie and Courtney, who help me every time I come for class. Riding has helped tremendously in making lots of progress such as strengthening my legs and my whole body, and also helps me to stay healthy and in good shape. I’ve been going to horseback riding for approximately two months and in these two months, I’ve been making lots of progress. Horseback riding is also helping me prepare for Special Olympics in each sport that I do, especially cycling. Riding has helped me to pedal a lot faster! In every sport that I do, no matter what, I always keep a positive mind and never give up, and that is going to help me to continue making progress with my horseback riding. Thank you very much for all of your time, dedication and help that you give me. Gracias mis amigas!
David & Andrea, Parents
Our son absolutely loves riding at Great and Small. Although his language skills are limited, he talks about the horses all week long. Since he’s started with the program, we’ve noticed that he’s more comfortable in social situations and that he has an easier time attending to tasks. But the real value comes from the fun of riding. There’s a real bond between him and the horses that’s truly special.
Melissa, Mom
I want to thank the Great and Small Program. It has helped my two boys a great deal. Both are learning disabled and dyslectic. My older boy has always had an anger problem. Since he learned how to ride and take care of horses, his attitude changed completely. I have never seen him so focused. My younger son lacked self-confidence. He has also improved greatly by riding. The boys enjoy the horses so much that they like to stay after their lessons to help out and hope to volunteer someday.
Contact Us
We look forward to hearing from you!