Although established in 1999, Chastain Horse Park's history and importance in the community date back for generations. The original stables were built as part of the park plan in 1939 offering riding lessons and horse boarding for local residents while serving as a popular destination for horse show competitions.

 

After years of disrepair, in 1992 our founder proposed a plan to rebuild the facility. Her vision was to create an acclaimed equestrian center which would operate as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization specializing in educational and therapeutic programs for students with mental, cognitive, emotional and physical impairments and outreach programs for children-at-risk, along with riding lessons and boarding services for the general public.

 

In spring of 1998, Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell signed off on a 20-year lease for the facility to be privately operated. Today, Chastain Horse Park ranks among the region’s premier equestrian facilities having served hundreds of children and adults of all ages and abilities, from all walks of life. Its' facilities house three barns and four arenas for therapeutic riding lessons and Hippotherapy, a riding lesson program, summer and holiday camps, pony birthday parties, and celebratory events.

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In 2020, Chastain Horse Park's Board of Director's launched the "Healing Through Horses Capital Campaign".  This campaign was designed with an eye to the future and the ambitious goal of doubling the impact of the therapeutic program.  As part of this campaign, a Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, new Community Barn, expanded outdoor space for the horses, a new Therapeutic Arena and other ancillary structures will assure that Chastain Horse Park is prepared to meet the needs of the community.