Pleasanton Equine Therapy Aids Seniors with Dementia

A new partnership provides therapeutic horse interaction for older adults facing memory loss and health challenges.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Alzheimer’s

Gouache-painted illustration of grooming brushes on a wooden fence with a horse in a grassy field, depicting equine therapy. — A new equine therapy program at Three Horse Farms in Pleasanton is offering seniors with dementia a supportive environment for social interaction. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should non-medical therapy programs be regularly integrated into care for seniors with cognitive decline?

Connected Horse is running an equine therapy program in Pleasanton that offers seniors with dementia a nonclinical environment for interaction. A group of six participants from Centers for Elders' Independence are currently engaging in the activities.

Why it matters

The program is designed to provide a supportive setting where individuals with memory loss can interact with horses without the stigma often associated with dementia. These activities encourage mindfulness and connection in a calm, outdoor space.

A pilot study conducted by UC Davis researchers tracked outcomes for caregivers and participants, showing improvements for caregivers versus baseline measurements. Future studies may look to track participants over longer periods to better understand the program impact.

The players

Connected Horse

This organization facilitates equine therapy programs specifically designed for older adults managing memory loss and health challenges.

Centers for Elders' Independence

This provider offers comprehensive care and services for older adults living in the community to help them maintain independence.

UC Davis

This public research university conducts scientific studies across various disciplines, including the development of innovative therapeutic programs.

Kim Hyunh

The 83-year-old resident of Dublin participates in the equine therapy program to engage with the environment and animals.

Lorissa Wayne

A volunteer with three years of experience, she assists with the delivery of therapeutic activities at the facility.

The details

During sessions at Three Horse Farms, participants gather in a circle before taking a sensory walk and observing horses from across a fence. They then move into an arena to greet and brush the horses, which fosters a sense of calm and social engagement.

The partnership between Connected Horse and Centers for Elders' Independence launched in July 2026.
The pilot study and associated activities were active as of October 2026.

Health Landscape

This program reflects a growing trend in non-pharmacological interventions that leverage the human-animal bond to support mental and emotional well-being. It aligns with research from the UC Davis equine therapy pilot study, which validates the benefits of such approaches for caregivers.

Participants and caregivers may find that these equine interactions provide a necessary mental break and improved emotional connection. Families of those with dementia can look for similar programs that offer nonclinical, sensory-based support to enhance daily quality of life.

The takeaway

Equine therapy offers a unique, mindfulness-based approach for seniors managing memory loss to connect with the world around them. Families may consider investigating local animal-assisted programs to supplement traditional dementia care routines.