About us

Paradise on the Earth can be found in wisdom books,
above woman's heart and on horse's back.

Arabian proverb

The Association of Hippotherapy and Equestrian Sports CENTAUR NGO was established in 2007, and provides rehabilitation for physically and mentally afflicted children and adults through hippotherapy, horseback riding and equestrian sports, as well as health and recreation services.

Widely recognized throughout the world, hippotherapy method was first introduced into Armenia three years ago by the Centaur staff.

Centaur practices hippotherapy in the ancient village of Ushi of Aragatsotn Marz, 37 km from Yerevan in the North West of Armenia, with specially trained horses. It also owns 9 dogs, which are currently being trained for dog therapy in the near future.

We aim to ensure recovery and rehabilitation of the handicapped, support and encourage their integration into the society, promote communication with horses and help people escape city-life to regain and enjoy harmony with nature and fauna.

Centaur cooperates with the Noragyugh State Rehabilitation Center, as well as with private specialists.

The Centaur staff prides itself on its dedication, proficiency and long-term commitment.

	Hasmik Hovhannisyan: Founder and President Maintains the vision of the company, develops its promotional, marketing strategies and customer services, is the main hippotherapy practitioner of the center, trains horses and riders.
	Boris Podorovski: methodist, instructor Trainer in equestrian sports, Candidate of Master Horsemanship. Trains horses (and dogs), teaches horse-back riding, assists the hippotherapy practitioner during the sessions, manages logistics, etc. Champion of Armenia in fence jumping; also qualified in horse shoeing and ceramics making. Despite his young age, Boris is immensely knowledgeable in nature and animals and is a great support.
	Andrey Podorovski: methodist, instructor Trainer in equestrian sports, Candidate of Master Horsemanship. Trains horses (and dogs), teaches horse-back riding, assists the hippotherapy practitioner during the sessions, manages logistics, etc. Champion of Armenia in fence jumping; also qualified in trick-riding, dog training. Andrey’s incredible patience and interpersonal skills make him a most perceptive instructor.
	Qubar Aloyan: housekeeper Takes care of the horses, dogs, and stable, guards the place, runs the household and is a reliable support around the place.
	Aghasi Zatikyan Owner of the horses and premises. Centaur staff uses them in exchange of their care and fodder.

Currently, the staff also relies on support of much-dedicated volunteers, whose contribution is significant and cannot be underestimated:

	Sasoun Israelyan, 13: a village boy Helps us with horses and children, enjoys both being on the horse and taking care of it, has a strong desire to become a horse trainer.
	Hamlet Asatryan, 14: a village boy Helps us with horses and children, is in full harmony with himself and the surrounding world and is most caring and considerate to all those less advantageous than himself.
	Mais Asatryan, 9: Hamlet’s younger brother Our youngest assistant helps around. Horseback riding and horse care have improved the inborn defective condition of his extremities (suffers from cerebral palsy). He is both a client and an assistant and is most beloved for his smartness and cheerful nature.
	Aram Mkhoyan: web admin Administrates the website, including its update. He is a keen and enthusiastic associate, who does his best to help us promote our activity.