How a simple conversation led to a creative innovation.

A “game changing” solution.

The company’s founders, Marilyn Brown and Harriet Phillips, two women in their 70’s, had a friend whose grandson with autism returned from a summer horse riding program in Montana. Upon returning, the friend told Marilyn and Harriet about the remarkable improvement in her grandson’s behavior. The grandson’s improvement sparked them to investigate how a riding program could have such a huge impact on the child.

During their research, they discovered nearly 100 peer-reviewed journal publications documenting the benefits of hippotherapy (using equine movement) in treating many of the behavioral symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities such as Autism and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Further investigation showed that less than 1% of therapists nationwide have access to this form of treatment. For schools, hospitals, and most families, this treatment is out of reach because a horse is required. Marilyn and Harriet saw these limitations and sought to bring the motion of equine therapy indoors. Now, because of REST and these two entrepreneurial women, equine motion therapy is universally accessible.

GAIT, LLC is a professional member of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and of The Attention Deficit Disorder Association. Both are national non-profit organizations providing education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD and the professionals who serve them.