"A Gentle Touch" by Nicole Jones

Bridle Paths is a nonprofit organization that offers strength, support, and healing to individuals and families through safe, effective, and high-quality equine-assisted activities and therapies.  The Bridle Paths program provides a continuum of services that is unique in the Northern Virginia area.  By combining the ground-based activities of equine-assisted psychotherapy and the mounted and horsemanship activities of therapeutic riding, Bridle Paths programs can benefit both families and the community.

The program serves those with a wide variety of needs and diagnoses, including brain injuries and physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, post traumatic stress, anxiety and depression, seizure disorders, and experiences of abuse and trauma.  Our staff has particular experience in working with families coping with the challenges of a special needs diagnosis, and with at-risk adolescents and young adults and their families.  

At Bridle Paths, clients are defined by their abilities and possibilities, in partnership with horses. Clients can improve balance, strength, and coordination, and benefit from the sensory, motor planning, and social experiences horses provide. Clients can enjoy improved health and mobility, enhanced self-confidence and self-esteem, and increased patience and reflection. Additionally, clients can cultivate leadership and problem-solving skills, regain trust and focus, and enjoy renewed hope for their futures through working with horses.

"Katie Fallon and her dedicated team of volunteers are very special people! They have instilled love, respect, and self-confidence where doubt, anxiety and stress used to live - and all involved have had a great time! I will be forever grateful for the wonderful gifts they have given and continue to give my daughter." --SK

Bridle Paths is a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV) and the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), and our staff members are certified by PATH and EAGALA.

Kathleen Fallon, founder and president of Bridle Paths, is a PATH Certified Advanced Level Therapeutic Riding Instructor with over ten years of experience teaching children and adults with a wide range of physical, cognitive, behavioral, and other disabilities. She also is certified as an Equine Specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. As a lifelong horse aficionado, she has owned, ridden, and trained horses for many years. She is a past member and chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Fairfax-Falls Church Interagency Coordinating Council (overseeing the provision of early intervention services in Fairfax County, Virginia), served on the board of directors of the Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia, and is the past president of the Longfellow Middle School PTA. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Georgetown University and Columbia University, respectively, both conferred with highest honors.


Kathleen Fallon, Founder & President of Bridle Paths