About

At Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners (STEP), we believe that the presence of a horse opens the door to life-changing moments.  When individuals connect with horses, they build trust, courage, and confidence—discovering new possibilities for healing and growth. Founded by an experienced team of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl. (PATH Intl.) certified instructors and dedicated volunteers, STEP is an all-volunteer therapeutic equine center committed to serving children, adults, veterans, and first responders in our community. Our new home is built on compassion, professionalism, and the shared belief in the powerful partnership between horses and humans.

Participants ages four (4) and up engage their bodies, minds, and hearts through our equine-assisted services. By building trusting relationships with horses, individuals gain strength, coordination, confidence, and emotional resilience - all while growing in a peaceful environment that inspires both learning and connection.

• Our Veterans and First Responders program honors those who have served and protected us by offering a place to heal, reconnect, and grow. Through guided experiences with horses, participants rebuild trust, strengthen emotional balance, and rediscover a sense of peace and purpose, all within an environment grounded in respect, understanding, and compassion.
• Our Adaptive Riding program empowers individuals facing physical, cognitive, emotional, or social challenges to discover new abilities. Through personalized lessons, participants build strength, balance, and coordination while nurturing emotional well-being, self-confidence, and meaningful connections. 
• Our Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) program encourages personal growth, teamwork and problem solving through hands-on activities with horses. This partnership helps foster confidence, social skills, and resilience. These are skills that carry far beyond the arena.
• STEP works in partnership with community nonprofits that focus on supporting individuals affected by trauma and grief. These collaborations enable STEP to increase both its reach and its involvement within the community. By incorporating an equine component into the nonprofits’ established programs, STEP enhances the support available to those in need.

What began as a dream has become a living testament to the power of shared passion, the healing power of horses, and the resilience of the people we serve.

Your partnership makes this possible! With your support, STEP can expand its programs, support our herd, and continue playing a vital role in supporting those with special needs within our community. Thank you for helping us create lasting, meaningful change.