About EEF
Belonging, built around horses.
Equine Empowerment Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adaptive riding organization serving Ventura County and surrounding communities.
Our beginning
A vision that began with Cara Hayden.
Equine Empowerment Foundation honors Cara Hayden, its original founder, and the vision and idea that first brought this foundation to life. That founding vision continues to inspire EEF’s commitment to making meaningful equestrian experiences more inclusive.
Today, EEF carries that idea forward through adaptive riding, horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning, and an autism-inclusive focus.
What guides us
Capability before assumption.
EEF creates individualized equestrian experiences for children and individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including people who may face barriers to traditional riding programs.
Through adaptive riding, horsemanship, structured riding activities, individualized instruction, and encouragement, participants can practice confidence, independence, communication, coordination, responsibility, connection, and equestrian skills at a pace appropriate to their abilities and goals.
Specialized equestrian instruction
More intentional support for autistic riders.
EEF specializes in therapeutic adaptive riding for children and young adults on the autism spectrum, while welcoming each rider as an individual and respecting family priorities. Our Executive Director, Jasmine Ghent, is a CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) and a certified Equine Assisted Healthcare Riding Instructor, bringing specialized training to this work. We begin with the individual and invite families to share the questions and context they choose, without assuming every rider’s needs are the same.
Our work is centered on equestrian instruction, learning, participation, and connection. Equine Assisted Healthcare Riding Instructor is a professional certification; EEF’s programs are not medical or mental-health treatment.
Autism-inclusive adaptive riding
The horse-centered experience
Partnership asks us to pay attention.
Horses are central members of EEF’s programs. Grooming, handling, groundwork, riding, and care create practical opportunities to notice, communicate, practice, and connect.
We do not publish horse names, histories, or profiles here unless those details are verified and approved. The work speaks through the relationship in front of us.
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