Our Story
"As a Speech Language Pathologist it has been a dream of mine for the last 10 years to incorporate hippo-therapy (using equine movement as a therapy tool) into my own speech therapy sessions and combine two of my passions into one!" - Ashley Colwell, Executive Director and Founder of H.A.L.T.
"Horse Assisted Learning & Therapy (H.A.L.T.) was founded in September of 2022 in response to the huge need that I saw in my hometown for these services. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and I wanted to make these services available to all, which led me to create a non-profit." - Ashley Colwell, Executive Director and Founder of H.A.L.T.
What We Do
What is H.A.L.T.?
Horse Assisted Learning & Therapy (H.A.L.T.) is a non-profit outpatient clinic located in Jupiter Farms, Florida. We specialize in Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy for children age 2 and up as well as adults. We partner with Organizations and Individual Professionals to provide educational opportunities and mental health therapy services for all ages.
Our Mission
H.A.L.T.'s mission is to provide educational opportunities and therapy services for children and adults with the use of rescued horses to promote improved function, independence, and to facilitate personal growth.
OurVision
H.A.L.T. is passionate about what we do and we believe that “Dreams don’t have Deadlines” and that there is “Beauty in the Storm.”
Our passion is to provide a loving learning environment and focus on progress, and not perfection.
Together we want to help our clients and their families achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.
Why Use Horses
Mirrors to the Soul
Horses have an incredible ability to read and reflect body language. Their senses are so highly attuned to their surroundings that they have been shown to pick up on the slightest changes in mood, stress levels, and general wellness.
Partners in Therapy
“Strength, Muscle Coordination and Sensory Processing used for walking, talking, and the use of fine motor skills for activities of daily living and general attention to tasks have all been shown to be positively impacted by equine movement."
- Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Equine Activities (ACPEA)
Our Services
Speech Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Vocational Therapy
Veterans Program
Equine-Assisted Yoga
Equine-Assisted Wellness
Assisted Living Outreach
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Recovery Program (Coming Soon)
Meet the Team
Gunner
Gunner loves kids, scratches, and lemon treats.
Lightning
Lightning is newer to the herd, keep an eye on this bug gorgeous boy to see what he can do!
Thunder
Thunder loves showing off, whinnying to his friends, treats, and scratches behind the ears.
Kodi
Kodi is a soon-to-be member of the H.A.L.T. family. Once we acquire the space to accommodate him, he will be a part of many of our programs!
Sequoia
Sequoia is a gentle giant, a sweet girl, and she loves attention.
Applejack
"A.J. Pippins Potion"
This sweet little country pony may be small, but she has a big heart. Applejack loves the little ones and has a gentle spirit around children. She takes a little time to warm up, but as she builds trust, her sweet personality realy shines. She's quickly becoming a special part of our barn family.
Ashley Colwell M.S., CCC-SLP Founder
Ashley is a certified Speech- Language Pathologist and certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. She loves all animals and has always had a passion for horses. Bringing together her expertise and passion, H.A.L.T. was founded. Ashely is also a wife and mother of three amazing daughters.
Natalie Weaver, CTRI, ESMHL Equine Specialist
Natalie is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning.
Merriam Mashatt, CTRI, ESMHL Special Programs Coordinator
Merriam has vast experience with equine related activities and research. She is trained in Masterson Method, Natural Lifemanship, is a Stable Moments Mentor, a Path Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning as well as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. She completed coursework in Equine Studies, at the University of Denver, and has aided programs with the ASPCA.
Frances Kennedy, Program Director
With over 40 years of teaching experience, Frances brings a deep understanding of child development, educational planning, and inclusive instruction to H.A.L.T.'s therapeutic program.
Brittany Rice, LCSW Mental Health Coordinator
Brittany is a licensed mental health therapist certified in Eagala and Path Intl. Brittany owns and operates a private practice in Lake Worth, Florida and partners with us part-time. Her specialties include supporting children, teens, and adults with symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and trauma.
Anya Kepchar, Equine Facility Manager & ES
Anya Kepchar is our Equine Facility Manager & Equine Specialist who has been working with horses for over 10 years. She focuses on the behavior and biomechanics of horses, utilizing a unique mixture of dressage and natural horsemanship techniques. She takes care of the barn duties, and works with all aspects of the programs at H.A.L.T.
