Since its founding in 2004, Square Peg Foundation has grown each year, expanding its programs and services to better serve families in the Bay Area of California. We are proud to offer life-changing equine-assisted experiences that foster connection, healing, and personal growth for a neuro-diverse community, while remaining committed to the well-being of both our participants and our horses.

Our unique approach centers around working primarily with off-the-track retired Thoroughbred horses, enabling us to foster meaningful connections between our participants and these remarkable animals. Their journey of overcoming misconceptions mirrors the experiences of our clients, who often face similar societal labels and limitations. This powerful metaphor of transformation offers inspiration to all who come to Square Peg, reinforcing the belief that with support, patience, and understanding, everyone can rise above the barriers placed upon them.

Between our two locations, we serve over 60 participants weekly in our recreational riding program, host over 16 interns in our paid vocational training program and provide comprehensive care for a herd of 27 horses.

Square Peg’s unique adaptive horsemanship program is specifically designed for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADD/ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, and their families. As a premier site for the HorseBoy™ Method, we incorporate specialized techniques that amplify the therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. Through this program, we create a supportive environment where individuals can connect with our horses and develop skills that foster emotional growth, communication, and self-confidence. The program emphasizes kindness, patience, and mutual respect, allowing both the participants and the horses to thrive.

Square Peg’s Paid Internship Program offers competitive integrated employment opportunities for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program is crafted to empower individuals by providing real-world work experience in an inclusive setting, ensuring they gain valuable skills and a sense of accomplishment. The program has made a profound impact on the lives of its participants, empowering them to achieve their full potential and creating lasting, positive change.

Square Peg Foundation is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. For more information about us please visit our website: www.squarepegfoundation.org

“Our beautiful child has been through so much and works so hard every day. This is perhaps the only space outside of family where he is unconditionally respected as a whole person and accepted as he is. Square Peg is way more than a riding lesson, although the staff’s skill and knowledge in this area is very apparent – it is a space, in nature, where our child just gets to BE, to have FUN, to LEARN, to LIVE.”   RC