STRIDE's mission is to help exceptional Alaskans achieve new heights and discover new abilities through supervised therapeutic equestrian activities. STRIDE is committed to promoting activities involving horses as an effective treatment option for those who suffer from physical, mental, or emotional disorders by developing community awareness of equine assisted and equine facilitated forms of therapy. By providing educational opportunities for persons interested in participating in therapeutic riding activities, STRIDE equips medical professionals, education professionals, and countless volunteers with the essential skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for the safe and effective application of equine assisted/facilitated therapy.

The population STRIDE serves ranges from those who are physically challenged to those with emotional or behavioral disorders. Though not everyone with disabilities can safely participate in therapeutic riding activities, STRIDE serves a broad segment of the disabled community in south-central Alaska. Some of the conditions for which therapeutic riding has been proved an effective treatment are cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, sensory impairment (i.e. loss of hearing or sight), Down Syndrome, Autism, learning disabilities, psychological impairments, emotional disorders, and interpersonal challenges.