Our Mission
Great and Small provides Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies to children and adults affected by physical, developmental, emotional, and learning disabilities. Through an inclusive, supportive and therapeutic engagement with horses we help our students discover their strengths, the joy of community and a sense of empowerment that stays with them long after they have left the barn.
THANK YOU! We made our Giving Tuesday match challenge, and our end of year fundraising goals! We rely on your help to make our services affordable to as many families as possible - you can join in by volunteering or donating, both are so welcome! Click on the Donate Now or Volunteer button, and thanks again!
"When I Ride, I Soar"
Rider fees account for only about 35% 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. The demand for our services continues to grow, and with your help we can meet the needs of the community while working to keep our programs as affordable as possible. We rely on the support of generous friends like you to make the magic happen.
Thank you!
Updates and Events
Summer camps registration is now open!
Session 1: June 22-26, 2026
Session 2: August 17-21, 2026
Camp is 9 am - 2 pm daily, and is open to kids 6-12 yrs. Campers must be able to dress, eat and use the restroom independently, and be able to follow along safely in a group setting. Cost is $850 per week with a non-refundable $150 deposit. New campers will require an evaluation session.
Registration form for Week 1, click here
Registration form for Week 2, click here
*Please note: In case of extreme summer weather, some mounted sessions may be converted to unmounted for the safety of campers, staff and horses.
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Great and Small has been accepted into the Horses for Mental Health 2026 cohort, a nonprofit that supports providers of equine-assisted mental health services through collaboration, outreach and fundraising resources. Please check back for updates on these activities!
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Join us on March 15 from 3 pm - 5 pm for a meet and greet at Rocklands Winery. Enjoy a great local establishment and the company of our staff, volunteers and board members. Please RSVP to info@greatandsmallride.org. See you there!
Winter Session: Jan 5-Feb 28, 2026
Spring Session: Mar 9-June 13, 2026 -
Spring registration now open here!
Show your Great and Small love with a new t-shirt or hoodie from Bonfire.com!
https://www.bonfire.com/great-and-small160
Upcoming Volunteer Trainings
New 2026 Volunteer Orientations:
February 24, 2026, 5 pm-7 pm
March 19, 2026, 5 pm-7 pm
Note: Orientation attendance requires submission of Volunteer Application and an RSVP. Please click on the Volunteer tab for more info and to sign up.
We Need Barn Volunteers!
You may have noticed it's a little chilly! This makes everything a bit harder when caring for horses, so we could really use your help. We have jobs for all experience levels. It's a great way to learn about our programs, too! SSL hours available. Please email Jody at jneal@greatandsmallride to sign up or call (301) 349-0075 - if we're not in the office we'll get back to you!
Participant Families: If you would like to be added to the waitlist for Winter Session 2026, please email
ehanna@greatandsmallride.org. Don't forget to sign up for spring!
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!
