Welcome! Here’s what we’re all about
Our mission is to enhance and enrich lives by providing education, physical activity, social opportunities, and emotional support to our clients through equine-assisted activities and services.
We do this while honoring our core values:
For more than two decades, Strongwater Farm has improved the quality of life and health for thousands of children and adults with special needs in the Greater Boston area through professional Equine-Assisted Services (EAS).
A 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, we are one of only two EAS centers in northeast Massachusetts with Premier Center accreditation from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH Intl.).
Our family-oriented programs succeed through the efforts of our dedicated volunteers, knowledgeable staff and valued equine partners.
We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where individuals can learn, grow, and heal through the healing power of the horse.
“Riding at Strongwater has given our son so much! It has helped tremendously with his anxiety. He becomes so calm and relaxed after riding. We have never seen any other activity have such a transforming effect on him. The staff at Strongwater is very understanding. Everyone is experienced and believes in our children with disabilities”
—Grateful Parent
Strongwater Farm is located in Tewksbury, Massachusetts, situated on 12 acres of land leased from the Commonwealth.
The property includes a stable for twelve horses, an indoor program area, an outdoor riding ring, a sensory trail, and numerous paddocks.
We have also been granted the right to utilize 450 acres of adjacent conservation land containing miles of trails as well as an event venue for our riding programs.
Strongwater’s instructors are licensed and certified by both PATH International and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Many instructors have additional certifications in related disciplines such as physical therapy, expressive arts therapy, special education, and mental health, ensuring high quality, professionally trained instruction.
How it All Started
In 1997 a group of local citizens joined together to offer a series of small equestrian events for the disabled youth and adult patients at Tewksbury Hospital.
The success of these events led to the establishment of a permanent therapeutic equestrian facility on the Tewksbury Hospital campus to serve not only patients, but surrounding communities as well.
Strongwater earns designation as a PATH Intl. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center.
This certifies that Strongwater has achieved the highest level of safety and organizational proficiency among EAS centers.
The Massachusetts legislature and Governor Mitt Romney grant Strongwater a 99-year ground lease.
This legislation secures Strongwater’s future as an EAS center.
Perley Arena opens, realizing the Board of Director’s longstanding vision of year-round EAS programming
Over the years Strongwater’s staff have developed a wide range of equine-assisted activities and programs to serve children and adults with special needs, individuals with behavioral health issues, veterans and individuals with substance use disorders.
Strongwater Farm is now spread over more than 400 acres of agricultural and conservation land located approximately 20 miles north of Boston in the town of Tewksbury, MA.
Copyright © 2025 Strongwater Farm. All Rights Reserved.
