For generations, horses have been part of the fabric of Chastain Park. Today, Chastain Horse Park carries that tradition forward in a meaningful new way creating opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to learn, grow, connect and experience the many benefits of time spent with horses. Located in the heart of Chastain Park, the Horse Park offers three distinct areas of equine-assisted programming: therapy, therapeutic horsemanship, and equine-assisted learning and community outreach.

Through its therapy programs, Chastain Horse Park works alongside licensed medical and behavioral health professionals, including physical, occupational and speech-language therapists, counselors and psychotherapists. Horses and the unique environment of the barn and arena become part of an individualized treatment plan designed to support physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional and psychological well-being. The experience is highly personalized, but the goal is universal: helping individuals build skills, confidence and greater independence through meaningful interactions with horses.

Therapeutic horsemanship combines the joy of riding with opportunities to develop physical, social and emotional skills. Specially trained equine professionals create lessons that may include both mounted and unmounted activities, along with creative games and horsemanship experiences. Riding can help improve balance, coordination, posture and physical fitness, while the rhythm and connection of working with a horse can be calming and restorative. Just as importantly, riders become part of a community learning alongside instructors, volunteers and fellow riders.

And there is something special about accomplishing a new skill with a 1,000-pound partner by your side. The relationship between horse and rider can foster confidence, communication, trust and a powerful sense of achievement.

Chastain Horse Park’s Equine-Assisted Learning and Community Outreach programs bring groups into an experiential environment where learning happens through interaction with horses, instructors and one another. Participants can practice communication, following directions, teamwork and other functional life skills while experiencing the welcoming, non-judgmental environment of the Horse Park. Programs are customized to meet the needs of each group, creating opportunities to build social skills and self-confidence in a setting that is both educational and memorable.

The story of Chastain Horse Park is woven into the history of the neighborhood itself. The original stables were built in 1939 as part of the Chastain Park plan, providing riding lessons and horse boarding for local residents while becoming a popular destination for horse shows and equestrian events. After years of disrepair, a vision to restore the facility emerged in 1992. The goal was to create an equestrian center operated as a nonprofit organization with a special focus on equine-assisted therapy. That vision became a reality in 1998 when then-Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell approved an indefinite lease of the Horse Park and its facilities to the newly established nonprofit organization. Today, Chastain Horse Park has grown into a premier regional equestrian and therapeutic facility. It serves hundreds of children and adults from more than 30 counties across the greater Atlanta area, welcoming individuals with a wide range of cognitive and physical abilities. The facility includes three barns and four arenas, supporting therapeutic services, therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, community outreach, a riding school and boarding programs.

In 2020, the Chastain Horse Park Board of Directors launched Healing Through Horses, a capital campaign created to expand the organization’s ability to serve the community. That vision came to life in 2025 with the opening of a new Therapeutic Horsemanship Center. The expansion includes clinical space for occupational and physical therapy, a renovated Community Barn, expanded outdoor areas for the horses, a new Therapeutic Arena and additional facilities designed to support the Horse Park’s growing programs. The result is more than an updated facility—it is an investment in the future of Chastain Horse Park and the individuals and families it serves.

At its heart, Chastain Horse Park is about something beautifully simple: the relationship between people and horses and what can happen when that relationship opens the door to possibility.

Whether someone is learning to ride, working toward a therapeutic goal, developing new life skills or simply discovering the joy of being around horses, the experience can create moments of connection that extend far beyond the arena.

Our Mission
Chastain Horse Park exists to empower individuals of all ages and abilities through life-changing relationships with horses.

Our Vision
Chastain Horse Park strives to become a therapeutic horsemanship center of excellence, recognized by professional equestrian organizations throughout the United States for bringing individuals of all abilities together in an inclusive community.