The mission of Vermont Horse-Assisted Therapy, Inc. (VHAT) is to provide safe, effective and fun therapeutic riding experiences to children and adults with mental, physical, social, emotional, or economic challenges.  VHAT provides services in the geographically under-served region of Central Vermont (Washington, Lamoille and Orange counties), offering individual therapeutic riding lessons and After-School Programs for members of the special needs community including those with cerebral palsy, hearing or sight loss, multiple sclerosis, autism and developmental delays. VHAT also offers programs for teens-at-risk and scholarships to students with documented economic challenges. VHAT activities which include private, semi-private or group lessons, clinics and summer camps, are all designed to provide healthy exercise, improve physical, social and psycho-motor skills, foster social interaction, build confidence and raise self-esteem, and allow students age 8-80 to learn leadership and thoughtful decision-making while learning equestrian skills.