Community Partnerships
Forward Stride’s Community Partnerships provide unique opportunities for personal growth in dynamic, non-clinical settings. We currently partner with Janus Youth Programs, NARA, Providence Health, Shriners Hospitals, and Victory Academy. Our programs create safe spaces that blend culturally appropriate practices, specialized treatments, and inclusive riding opportunities, empowering participants to learn, grow, and heal.
Janus Youth Programs at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility
Since 2019, Forward Stride has partnered with Janus Youth Programs to provide a six week Equine Assisted Learning program, to the young men at MacLaren Youth Correctional Facility.
The horses create a safe space, allowing the young men to practice new skills and have the opportunity to express themselves without judgement. This program has offered an alternative way for the youth to engage in a therapeutic environment that is not within an office setting.
Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA)
NARA provides culturally appropriate services and treatments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.
At Forward Stride, NARA participants are primarily referred from residential treatment for presentations of drug and alcohol abuse to attend Equine Assisted Learning sessions and riding lessons once a week and during 3-day horse camps.
Quest Center for Integrative Health
Forward Stride has partnered with Quest Center since 2025, offering Riding and Groundwork opportunities for individuals in their FSR (Finding and Sustaining Recovery) Addition Services.
Quest Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing integrative healthcare services, community, and education to all people seeking a wellness-focused approach to living.
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Forward Stride has partnered with Shriners Hospitals for Children – Portland since 2003. Every fall and winter, we offer Saturday afternoon riding lessons to children receiving treatment at the hospital. These lessons go beyond teaching riding and horsemanship skills—they empower young riders to build self-confidence and physical strength.
While these sessions are not clinical therapy sessions, they provide an opportunity for riders to practice skills and processes they may be working on in treatment. For example, a child might practice fine motor skills by holding a brush and grooming their pony, blending therapeutic goals with the joy of working with horses.
Victory Academy
Since 2022, Forward Stride has partnered with Victory Academy, Oregon’s only year-round school for students with Autism and related learning differences. With our Equine Assisted Learning program, students explore grooming and horsemanship, practice leading horses, and even work on riding skills.
These sessions provided opportunities to build confidence, practice social skills like turn-taking and cheering for peers, and develop verbal communication through interactions with our horses.
Partner With Us
We are proud to partner with these life-changing organizations and are always seeking new partnerships to expand our impact.
If your organization is interested in collaborating to create life-changing opportunities through equine programs, we’d love to connect.
Email our Program Director, Amanda Garrison, at: amanda.garrison@forwardstride.org.