Last fall, lifelong friends Kris Kauffman and Danielle Denlinger got together to have lunch and catch up. Both women brought each other up to speed on what was new in their lives, and they discussed their goals for the future. Kauffman shared her dream of starting a nonprofit to provide services for individuals with special needs. Denlinger told her she had a similar vision, but specifically for equine therapy. Shortly after this conversation, Kauffman discovered a farm for sale in Quarryville and asked Denlinger to partner with her to realize their shared dream.

In December 2022, Kauffman and her husband, Lee, acquired Trailside Farm, 787 Valley Road, Quarryville, and they joined forces with Denlinger to create Bridlepath Equine Center. The new facility will offer a variety of therapeutic horseback-riding programs for individuals with disabilities. Denlinger serves as the organization's executive director, and Bridlepath will officially opened its doors for participants on Monday, Sept. 11.

Denlinger studied behavioral science at York College of Pennsylvania and has earned multiple instructor certifications through the Council for Education and Certification in Therapeutic Horsemanship. Denlinger has spent the last 10 years working for a therapy riding program in York as a way to combine her passions for both horseback-riding and working with children and adults with special needs.

Previously, the property that Bridlepath is located on was used for crop farming. Since December, Denlinger and the Kauffmans have been remodeling buildings and installing features such as a lounge for parents, a tack room and storage spaces. They also converted a barn into an indoor arena and built an outdoor arena.

In preparation for Bridlepath's official opening, Denlinger has been training volunteers and offering tours of the facility to incoming participants. The volunteers' training consists of two parts: the group meets the horses and discusses the expectations of the program, and the volunteers receive hands-on training in leading, side walking, mounting and dismounting and saddling up their horses.

"There are so many benefits to equine therapy. Physically, horses move in a way that mimics how humans walk," said Denlinger. "Riders use the same muscles as they would walking on their own feet, which helps with balance, coordination and fine motor skills." In addition to the physical benefits of horseback-riding, horses can help individuals build confidence as a non-judgmental partner.

Bridlepath Equine Center will hold an open house on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn more about the organization's programs and to meet staff members and volunteers. "We're excited to be a part of the Southern End and its surrounding communities," Denlinger said. "I'm looking forward to serving a population who deserves nothing less."

For more information, visit http://www.bridlepathequinecenter.org.