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.
What We Do
Great and Small is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1998 that provides therapeutic horseback riding lessons to persons with a wide range of physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. We serve students with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsey and Multiple Sclerosis, among other challenges.
​
Great and Small provides an opportunity for those with disabilities to experience the joy and therapeutic effect of horses and we empower our students to learn the art of riding in harmony with their specific needs. The movement of the horse is a natural strengthening agent for people with balance issues or impairments in the trunk and lower extremities. Learning to ride also instills confidence, provides a sense of accomplishment and is inherently fun.


Who We Are
We are a partner with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission at the Rickman Farm Horse Park in Boyds, Maryland. Our students come from the Montgomery County Public Schools, several private schools, and the local community at large. Great and Small is also proud to serve as a
pre-approved Student Service Learning Site for the Montgomery County Public Schools.
​
Great and Small believes that the essential qualities of power and sensitivity embodied in the horse can strengthen and empower persons of all ages
and abilities.

Boarding
In addition to our program herd, Great and Small runs a small, mostly retired boarding operation which includes two dedicated field board fields with oversize run-ins. Field board is $435/month. Perks include a large indoor arena with premium footing and an outdoor arena (both lighted) as well as miles of trails. We work hard to provide the highest quality care possible, with small turnout groups and large pastures, premium Purina feeds twice a day, a barn manager who lives on site, and a management team with decades of equestrian and facility management experience.
Interested in becoming part of the Great and Small family as a boarder? Contact us by emailing sphelps@greatandsmallride.org.
​
We are currently full in our field board operation.
Transparency
Great and Small is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization and complied with all federal laws for reporting financial information. Our Federal Tax ID # (FEIN) is 52-2012519.
Great and Small has a Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency indicating that we have provided key information to our Candid (formerly Guidestar) profile. By providing up-to-date information, we allow potential donors and funders to make educated decisions.
​