About Us
What We Do
Special Strides is a non-profit organization providing Equine Assisted Services (EAS) through a unique combination of therapy, horses, and the natural environment. Located at Congress Hill Farm in Monroe, New Jersey, Special Strides supports children and adults with special needs in developing functional skills, independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in daily life.
Our multidisciplinary team provides physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy through the integration of equine movement into treatment, adaptive horsemanship programs that include mounted and unmounted activities. Services are individualized to support each client’s strengths, goals, and functional outcomes within a dynamic farm-based environment.
Special Strides also recognizes the value of connection, movement, learning, and engagement beyond the clinical setting. Through thoughtfully designed interactions with horses, nature, and the surrounding community, individuals are provided opportunities to build skills that support participation across home, school, work, recreation, and community life.
Accessibility and inclusion remain central to our mission. We are committed to ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the opportunity for individuals and families to improve their lives… one stride at a time.
Our History
In the autumn of 1998, one of Laurie Landy’s dreams came true. When Special Strides, Inc., a non for profit 501c(3), opened its doors, Laurie was able to combine her passion as an occupational therapist, her love of the natural environment, and her knowledge of equine movement. Stymied by the limits of traditional classroom based therapy, Laurie envisioned an environment where individuals could reach their therapy and recreational goals in a locale that supported all their needs; physical, emotional, sensory, and communication.
Our Facility
Special Strides is located in Monroe Township in Central NJ. The facilities encompass 200 acres of training areas (outdoor and indoor arenas) and wooded trails. Special Strides is proud of its trails, which include a variety of sensory equipment such as swings, a trampoline, an adventure course with balance beams, and a variety of playground equipment. Clients can explore the farm during therapy and witness the changes of seasons, pick vegetables in the gardens, and visit the other farm animals such as cats, goats, chickens, and alpaca. Special Strides offices are located in a heated/air conditioned office including a fully equipped therapy clinic.
