“We are more than a service. We are a refuge for families.” It is a simple phrase, but after spending an idyllic morning at Fundació Federica Cerdá, it became clear what it means. Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Sant Cugat, the foundation is home to six horses and a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers. At first glance, it looks like a riding centre. In reality, it is something very different. Founded fifteen years ago by a local family with a lifelong passion for horses, the organisation provides horse-assisted therapy for children and adults with a wide range of physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Yet the impact often extends far beyond the person taking part in the therapy. “When families come here, they realise they are not alone,” explains director Gloria Cano. “They meet other families facing similar challenges. They feel understood and accepted.”
That sense of belonging was one of the reasons the foundation was created. Having spent years around conventional riding centres, the family wanted to build something different: a place focused entirely on inclusion, accessibility and wellbeing. The centre itself had to be transformed. Ramps were installed, access improved and facilities adapted for wheelchair users. Just as importantly, the welfare of the horses became a priority. Unlike many traditional riding centres, the horses live outdoors together, enjoying daily social interaction and carefully managed routines. The therapy sessions are tailored to each individual. Goals are agreed with families and healthcare professionals, and activities are designed to support physical, cognitive or emotional development. Sometimes the progress is physical. The team recalls one young woman with tetraplegia who gradually developed greater strength and posture, reducing some of the difficulties she faced in everyday life.
Sometimes the changes are less visible but equally powerful. One child with selective mutism struggled to communicate with adults. Through the presence of the horse, communication became easier. Instead of speaking directly to a therapist, he began by talking to the animal. Slowly, his confidence grew until he was able to communicate more freely. The horses themselves play a unique role. For some participants, they provide motivation. For others, calmness, confidence or emotional security. The movement of the horse can also offer important physical benefits, particularly for people with mobility difficulties. The foundation has even participated in research projects, including a study with children recovering from cancer treatment. While physical rehabilitation was one aspect, the team observed that many participants also benefited emotionally, rebuilding confidence and rediscovering a sense of normality after a difficult period in their lives. Yet perhaps the most striking thing about Fundació Federica Cerdá is that it is no longer thinking only about therapy. As the team looks to the future, they are developing new projects aimed at groups who may not traditionally be associated with horse-assisted activities at all. One focus is on older people, particularly those experiencing loneliness or social isolation. “We’ve realised that not all vulnerability is physical,” explains the team. “Sometimes the challenge is emotional.” The foundation hopes to work with care homes and community groups, offering small-group sessions where participants can spend time outdoors, interact with the horses, connect with other people and enjoy a change of environment. The goal is not simply treatment, but wellbeing, companionship and meaningful experiences. Another initiative aims to welcome local school groups. Through visits to the centre, children can learn about disability, inclusion and diversity in a practical and engaging way. The hope is that these experiences will help build empathy and understanding from an early age. Throughout the interview, one message surfaced again and again: connection matters. Connection between people and animals. Connection between families facing similar challenges. Connection between generations. Connection with nature and with the wider community. The foundation itself is named after Federica Cerdá, a much-loved grandmother whose kindness, generosity and positive outlook inspired the family. Although she only saw the project in its earliest days, her spirit still seems present in everything the organisation does. After fifteen years, Fundació Federica Cerdá continues to help people build confidence, develop skills and overcome challenges. But perhaps its greatest achievement is creating a place where people feel welcomed, valued and understood. In a world that often moves too fast, that may be every bit as important as therapy itself.
