Athelas Internship Program

Athelas has welcomed many interns from the surrounding colleges. We have worked with interns from Hartwick College, SUNY Oneonta, and SUNY Cobleskill. Our internship program runs year round. Many of our interns have completed their internships during the spring and fall semesters but we also take interns during the summer months. Our internship program is unique because our internship coordinator works closely with each intern and creates an internship that specifically fits into their chosen major. We have had interns with majors ranging from therapeutic horsemanship, multiple forms of psychology, communications, and more. The internships are based on the individual and is designed to meet the needs of the intern's current major and also to help prepare them for the future, whether it is graduate school or working in the professional field of their choice. Each intern assists during our weekly therapy lessons. Some interns have worked with our various committees on projects for fundraising, marketing/advertising, and special programs. The possibilities are endless!

Athelas Riding Program

Athelas Therapeutic Riding Inc. offers a year-round riding program at the facility located at Northfield Farm LLC in Otego NY. We are dedicated to provide riding lessons to children and adults with mental, emotional, and physical special needs. Our PATH International certified instructors create a lesson program based on each individual's specific needs. Lesson plans are based around the horse and rider relationship and how the horse can benefit the rider the most. Research shows that horses can provide physical, mental, and emotional benefits for riders. The horse's gate is known to be most closely related to the natural walking gate of a human which benefits riders with impaired mobility. We can accommodate riders of all ages and physical abilities. Riding horses requires focus and concentration; this helps riders with learning or developmental disabilities. Horses and riders also create a distinctive bond which can help improve psychological and emotional disabilities. Athelas' riding program helps reinforce and teach skills needed in everyday life situations. Our riding program provides opportunity to a wide variety of individuals.