Healing Hooves: Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center
For more than three decades, a remarkable nonprofit nestled in the East Texas piney woods has been transforming lives — one ride at a time.
Tucked along a winding country road between Diana and Gilmer in Upshur County, Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center sits on 43 rolling acres of East Texas countryside. The setting is peaceful — pine trees, open pastures, and the quiet rhythm of horses. But for the hundreds of children, adults, and veterans who come here each year, Windridge is something far more profound. It is a place of transformation.
Founded in 1988, Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc. has spent more than 35 years building a mission rooted in compassion and equine-assisted healing. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a Premier Accredited Center with PATH International (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International), Windridge stands as one of the most distinguished therapeutic riding facilities in the region.
The Power of the Horse
At the heart of Windridge’s work is a simple but powerful truth: horses heal. The movement of a horse at a walk mimics the biomechanical movement of a human gait, engaging a rider’s core, pelvis, and limbs in ways that are difficult to replicate through conventional therapy.
In just 30 minutes on horseback, a participant receives approximately 3,000 repetitive movement inputs — a number virtually unattainable through traditional physical therapy sessions. This motion produces weight-bearing through limbs and joints, pelvic rotation, sensory stimulation, and strengthening and stretching of muscles. For individuals whose disability limits their access to regular physical exercise, these benefits are immeasurable.
But the benefits extend well beyond the physical. Participants at Windridge develop confidence, focus, and social skills as they learn to care for their horse, communicate with instructors, and work alongside fellow riders. For many, the bond formed with a horse becomes a gateway to broader emotional growth and independence.
Four Programs, One Mission
Windridge currently offers four core programs, each tailored to meet the distinct needs of its participants:
Therapeutic/Adaptive Riding — Windridge’s flagship program provides mounted equestrian skills instruction guided by PATH International-certified instructors. Participants range in age from 4 to 84, with conditions including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, and trauma. The riding arena and trails allow for progressive skill development at each rider’s own pace.
Hippotherapy — In collaboration with Kidz First Therapy, Windridge offers hippotherapy twice weekly. In this program, licensed physical, occupational, and speech therapists use the horse’s movement as a treatment tool, addressing specific therapeutic goals within a clinical framework.
Equines in Service for Heroes (Veterans Program) — Windridge has long honored those who served, welcoming veterans from World War II through the most recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The veterans program addresses PTSD, moral injury, and physical disabilities through therapeutic riding and an advanced obstacle course designed to foster continual growth. For many veterans, the relationship built with a horse — built on trust, patience, and nonverbal communication — becomes a powerful step toward reconnecting with themselves and others.
Volunteer Program — Volunteers are the lifeblood of Windridge. They assist during weekly sessions, participate in special events, and contribute to facility upkeep. In turn, many volunteers report that their time at Windridge is itself deeply rewarding — a reminder that giving back is its own form of healing.
A State-of-the-Art Facility in the Piney Woods
Windridge’s main campus sits on 40 dedicated acres and includes a 38,000-square-foot covered facility — a significant asset that allows programs to continue regardless of East Texas weather. The grounds feature a single enclosed barn, four run-in sheds, five pastures, three paddocks and turnout areas, an outdoor riding ring, and an indoor arena. Up to 28 horses can be accommodated on the property, and the center currently cares for 16 therapy horses and equines.
The facility is the result of years of community investment — contributions from foundations, corporations, civic organizations, and generous individual donors across East Texas. In every sense, Windridge belongs to the community it serves.
Nationally Recognized, Community Rooted
Windridge holds Premier Accreditation from PATH International, the gold standard in the therapeutic riding industry. This accreditation reflects the center’s commitment to safety, professional instruction, and the highest standards of equine welfare. In 2025, Windridge was also awarded the EQUUS Foundation’s prestigious Mentor Accreditation, given annually to organizations that demonstrate exceptional business and equine welfare practices.
These recognitions are more than plaques on a wall. They are a testament to the dedication of Windridge’s staff and volunteers, and to an organizational culture that places participant safety and animal welfare above all else.
An East Texas Institution
What makes Windridge truly special is the breadth of its reach. Since 1988, it has served neighbors across East Texas regardless of their ability to pay — a commitment that reflects the organization’s founding values and community spirit. Participants have included those dealing with physical challenges, autism, ADHD, substance abuse recovery, trauma from abuse, and the lasting wounds of war.
The center’s Executive Director, Mrs. Charlynn Bradford, leads an organization that has become an integral part of life in Upshur County and the broader East Texas region. For many families, Windridge is not just a therapy program — it is a community, a refuge, and a source of hope.
How to Support Windridge
Windridge relies on the generosity of its community to continue its mission. There are several ways to get involved:
Donate: Contributions of any size help fund programming, horse care, and facility maintenance. Windridge is a verified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and 100% of donations made through the EQUUS Foundation go directly to the center.
Volunteer: Volunteers are always needed to assist during sessions, care for the horses, and support special events. No prior horse experience is required.
Refer a Participant: If you know a child, adult, or veteran who might benefit from Windridge’s programs, contact the center to learn about eligibility and enrollment.
Spread the Word: Awareness is a gift. Sharing Windridge’s story with friends, neighbors, civic groups, and faith communities helps connect those in need with the healing they deserve.
CONTACT WINDRIDGE
593 Windridge Road, Gilmer, TX 75645
Mailing: P.O. Box 680, Diana, TX 75640
Phone: (903) 797-2414
Email: windridgetx@aol.com
Website: www.windridgetexas.org
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Claude