GREENFIELD — The Courageous Strides therapeutic riding program is settling into its new home.

The program, which provides equine-assisted activities to military veterans and individuals who are recovering from emotional and physical trauma, is operating out of Meadowcrest Stables on Leyden Road for its first season.

“It just kind of fell into our lap,” said Deb Gordon, president and instructor at Courageous Strides. “We are extremely, extremely thankful that this very tranquil, peaceful location is going to provide so much healing for our students. I fell in love with the property the moment I saw it.”

Courageous Strides was seeking a new location after learning that its former home, Stoney B Acres in Bernardston, was planning to downsize. Courageous Strides had operated there for six years. Gordon was determined to keep the program within Franklin County, which led her to talk to Meadowcrest’s farm manager, Patty French, and the other owners.

“Some of our students from last year have anxiety and depression, and when I had to let them know that we were making the transition, some took it really, really hard,” Gordon said. “Change can be very challenging for them. When I let them know we found a home, they were just so appreciative.”

Meadowcrest, which officially opened in 1993, is a diverse farm with 35 acres designated for Christmas trees and 20 acres for paddocks and horses, French said. The property also has cattle.

Three horses that are part of the Courageous Strides program are now living at Meadowcrest. Delia and Drifter are the primary horses being used and are leased by the nonprofit. Harley, who is owned by Gordon, is also involved.

Delia, a 19-year-old Thoroughbred-Trakehner cross, was bred in Pennsylvania as a competitive jumper. The horse was retired after contracting a neurological disease called equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM), which affects the brain and spinal cord. In the program, Delia will primarily be used for groundwork, where students learn about horse anatomy, physiology and hoof care while also engaging in exercises like lunging.

Drifter, a buckskin Quarter Horse born in 1999 on a Texas ranch, moved to Arizona in the early 2000s to train as a roping horse. He arrived at Meadowcrest 15 years ago and is now the primary horse used for mounted instruction.

The third horse being used is Harley, a registered Quarter Horse who was born in 1999 and became a competitive horse at the University of Findlay in Ohio. Harley was retired from competitions in 2017 and joined Stoney B Acres. Gordon took over ownership of Harley in 2020.

Students at Meadowcrest have access to an outdoor ring, a small grooming station and a small barn. The program begins with four weeks of groundwork before progressing to mounted instruction when students are ready.

The program began its new season on June 9, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with six lessons total during those hours. This represents a step up for the program, as instruction used to be offered two days per week. The season ends on Oct. 31.

The program has already filled 15 of its 18 available slots, with three spots reserved for military veterans and six filled by returning students.

This includes Moriah Coates, 32, of Greenfield, who’s been with the program since it launched in 2019. Initially worried about the program finding a new space, Coates expressed relief and excitement about the new location.

“I was really grateful to find out that it was somewhere local to me,” she said. “Coming up here and seeing the place was amazing. I mean, it’s beautiful.”

Coates, a former jumper, sought out Courageous Strides after being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder that led to seizures, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) and tracheobronchomalacia (TBM), all of which prevented her from continuing to participate in her beloved sport.

“I reached out about trying to get me back in the saddle while taking it slow enough that I wouldn’t get hurt or have any problems,” she said. “And that’s continued through the years to help me rehabilitate.”

For the 2025 season, Coates is working with Delia, whom she describes as a “smart and willing” horse.

“It’s amazing how much learning about your conditions and treating them, but also how both the mental and physical therapeutic aspect of riding can rehabilitate a person,” Coates explained. “Horses are my peace. They’re what quiet my mind. I’m not afraid when I’m here. I’m home.”

Another member of the Courageous Strides program is Lillian Poirier, 20, of Turners Falls, who is interning with Courageous Strides for the summer as part of her studies in therapeutic horsemanship at the State University of New York (SUNY), where she’s a sophomore.

Poirier’s tasks include creating lesson plans, setting up the riding arena for lessons, inspecting the horses and ensuring safety, all of which contribute to her required hours for achieving Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International credentials.

Poirier, focused on obtaining her mounted instruction hours, is currently working with Drifter.

“He’s solid,” Poirier said. “I can trust him for my lessons and I know that he’s gonna take care of my rider.”

Courageous Strides is operating under a lease agreement with Meadowcrest, which Gordon describes as a “trial run.” At the end of the season in October, both parties will regroup to discuss the program’s future at the farm.

“The discussion more so, at least from my viewpoint, is to see what we can to do to improve [Courageous Strides],” French said.

Gordon sees the arrangement as a clear win-win for both Meadowcrest and Courageous Strides.

“We’re providing an amazing healing venue,” she said. “And in return, they’re able to see their facility be used in such a positive way.”

Those interested in joining Courageous Strides can apply on the program’s website at courageous-strides.org/programs. Priority will be given to military veterans. Donations can be made at courageous-strides.org/giving.