Not all forms of healing happen within traditional walls. Sometimes, it takes place outdoors—where the air is crisp, the surroundings peaceful, and healing arrives on four hooves. In Great Falls, Virginia, Lift Me Up has spent the past 50 years showing that progress, recovery, and transformation thrive in natural, supportive environments.
As a local firm deeply rooted in Northern Virginia, AV Architects + Builders is proud to celebrate organizations like Lift Me Up that create meaningful impact in the community we love and call home.
The Story of Lift Me Up!
Lift Me Up! was founded in 1975 by Colleen Zanin, OTR. Over the years, the organization has expanded its programs to incorporate progressive and innovative therapies—all within an inclusive setting. Today, at their PATH center, they teach over 140 riders and wellness participants each week, with virtually no waiting list. Students range from children as young as 5 years old to senior citizens, all benefiting from the healing connection between humans and horses.
So, What’s This All About?
Lift Me Up is a nonprofit in Great Falls, Virginia, dedicated to offering therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship education for children and adults with disabilities. What began in 1975 with a few horses and a mission has grown into one of the region’s most respected equine-assisted therapy programs.
Today, the barn is full of life and purpose. Riders achieve personal milestones, volunteers offer steady support, and families witness joyful breakthroughs. The recent 50th anniversary event was a warm celebration of everything the organization stands for—featuring live music, pony rides, food vendors, photo displays, and heartfelt reunions.
Above all, Lift Me Up remains devoted to its founding goal: to create safe, inclusive spaces where individuals can grow, connect, and thrive. As a Northern Virginia-based team, we feel honored to share the same community as such an inspiring organization.
The Mission and Vision Behind the Horses
Lift Me Up exists to provide empowering, safe, and effective therapeutic riding programs that enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
But it’s more than a physical therapy program. It’s about restoring confidence, fostering independence, and building a sense of belonging. The organization envisions a future where equine-assisted services are widely available, embraced, and integrated into holistic wellness support.
Here, growth happens in a natural rhythm—and every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
Why Horses?
A common question is: why horses? Why not dogs, known for loyalty and comfort, or cats and birds, known for their grace, intelligence, or calming presence?
According to research on animal-assisted therapy, horses offer a unique level of emotional connection. They are intuitive, responsive to body language and energy, and highly attuned to emotion. This creates a powerful, non-verbal feedback loop that helps individuals develop trust, self-awareness, and emotional balance.
In addition, riding a horse creates a profound sense of accomplishment. Guiding such a strong, majestic animal provides not only emotional empowerment but also physical benefits. A horse’s gait closely mimics the rhythm of human walking, making it especially helpful for therapeutic movement.
While dogs, cats, or birds can offer comfort and companionship, horses encourage growth, resilience, and deep interpersonal connection—all within a dynamic, supportive environment.
The Future of Lift Me Up
Fifty years marks a major achievement—but for Lift Me Up, the vision continues to grow.
Future plans include expanded facilities, new therapy programs, and enhanced accessibility to serve a broader community—including veterans, teens, and individuals seeking mental health support. There’s also an emphasis on sustainability and preparing new generations of trained instructors and volunteers.
More than growth in numbers, Lift Me Up remains committed to its values: compassion, excellence, and inclusion. With strong community support, the next chapter promises to be as meaningful as the first.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
What makes a space truly memorable isn’t just its structure—it’s the feeling it creates. Lift Me Up has offered that feeling for five decades, and continues to do so through every carefully guided session, every volunteer’s time, and every rider’s courage.
In a world that moves quickly, it's grounding to know there are places where people come first. At AV Architects + Builders, we believe in supporting the heart of Northern Virginia—its people and organizations who make this area such a special place to live. Whether through thoughtful home design or simply celebrating our neighbors, we embrace vacation-style living as a mindset that prioritizes balance, wellness, and connection.
If you're curious about how intentional design supports real life in Northern Virginia, feel free to explore our Learning Center or browse answers to common questions about building a custom home.
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