About the Virginia Horse Industry Board
Virginia Horse Industry Board • VHIB
804-786-5842
Richmond, Virginia
Astride with Pride, Inc.
Astride with Pride is a therapeutic riding program that serves children and adults with disabilities
Our goal to serve and help physically and cognitively disabled individuals.
Astride with Pride operates from April to mid November, running in 6-8 week sessions depending on the time of year. Riders participate in riding lessons tailored to their needs. Some only want the socialization while others want to learn to ride. Riders are given the opportunity to participate in demonstrations, local horse shows, state competitions.
1913 Bell Town Rd
Bedford, VA 24523-4302
540-587-0668
astridewithpride@aol.com
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The Barns at Blue Mountain
Providing therapeutic horsemanship, at-risk youth, equine-assisted psychotherapy, and Veterans programs to Southwestern VA. We are a PATH Intl member center.
17507 Lee Hwy
Abingdon, VA
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Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship (BRCTH)
Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship (BRCTH) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization which was founded in 2006 to serve persons with disabling conditions in the northern Shenandoah Valley. We are a member operating center of the Therapeutic Riding Association of VA (TRAV) and of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International (PATH) which provides operating and accreditation standards, and certification for therapeutic riding instructors. The Center provides programming for individuals with disabilities and those who are “at risk”. We serve adults and children from age five. In order to provide these services to the community, we rely upon a dedicated team of volunteers. See our Volunteer page for more information.
P. O. Box 438
Boyce, VA 22620-0438
540-533-2777
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Bridle Paths
Bridle Paths offers strength, support, and healing to our clients through safe, effective, and high-quality equine-assisted activities and therapies. We provide therapeutic horseback riding instruction and equine-assisted psychotherapy services to individuals and families faced with physical, cognitive, psychological, and emotional needs.
The program serves those with a wide variety of needs and diagnoses, including ADHD, cognitive impairments, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and depression, genetic problems, seizure disorders, and physical and sexual abuse. Our staff has particular experience in working with children and families coping with the challenges of a special needs diagnosis, and with at-risk adolescents and young adults and their families.
909 Woodgate Ln
McLean, VA 22101
571-216-9089
bridlepaths@gmail.com
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Brook Hill Farm
Brook Hill Farm Brook Hill Farm is a non-profit organization, exists to provide rehabilitation focused services and safe haven for unwanted horses, while maintaining a unique opportunity for personal growth and equine education for area youth and adults through its therapeutic riding program.
7289 Bellevue Road
Forest, VA 24551
540-586-7432
executivedirector@brookhillfarm.org
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Charlottesville Area Riding Therapy
CART serves children and adults with a range of special needs including autism, cerebral palsy, spinal cord/brain injuries, ADD/ADHD, stroke, cognitive defects, muscular dystrophy, amputations, spina bifida, learning disabilities, hearing/speech/visual impairments, and many other emotional and physical disorders.
5924 Fried Farm Rd
Crozet, VA 22932-1605
434-823-1178
cart@cartcrozet.org
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Cloverleaf Equine Center
The mission of the Cloverleaf Equine Center is to provide equine-assisted activities to children and adults with disabilities, youth-at-risk, military service personnel, and their families in an inclusive, community setting.
12933 Popes Head Road,
Clifton, VA 20124
703-764-0269
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Dream Catchers
Dream Catchers in Virginia is a PATH International premier accredited center serving Williamsburg, the greater Hampton Roads and Richmond areas. Each year, Dream Catchers provides more than 4,000 therapeutic riding lessons to help children and adults with special needs reach their potential and make their dreams come true. A 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, Dream Catchers relies on the generous support of the community and volunteers to achieve its mission.
PO Box 1261
Williamsburg, VA 23187-1261
757-566-1775
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Equi-Kids Therapeutic Riding Program
EQUI-KIDS Therapeutic Riding Program was established in 1989 to offer horseback riding lessons to individuals with mentally and physically disabling conditions such as Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Learning Disabilities. Through equine activities, the challenged rider could develop self-awareness, self-confidence and improve their concentration. Therapeutic riding also offers physical benefits such as muscle strengthening and stretching and increases fine motor skills. The horse provides the challenged rider with a feeling of freedom and independence that may be limited in their everyday life.
P.O. Box 4095
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
757-425-8833
info@equikids.com
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Equine Connection Center
Equine Connection Center is an educational equine sanctuary offering equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy (EAL & EAP). Our mission is to provide opportunities for all people to experience the benefits of spending time with horses, while providing a forever home for rescued animals. Our programs partner our equine residents with participants to educate on conscientious horsemanship, support mutual wellness, personal growth, & positive relationships. ECC offers safe and accessible horse experiences for all ages and abilities.
14420 Owls Nest Rd
Nokesville, VA 20181
703-980-1032
info@equineconnectioncenter.com
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Galloping Acres Foundation
Galloping Acres, LLC offers boarding, leasing, showing, western and hunter Riding lessons, horse sales and training. We also have a Therapeutic Riding Program which is Galloping Acres Foundation that is Co-Sponsored by Hanover County Parks and Recreation.
Tall Cedars Farm, Inc
Glen Allen, VA 23059
804-883-3003
shannon@gallopingacres.com
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Graz'n Acres Therapeutic Riding Center
We are a Premier Accredited Center of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) located in Sedley, Virginia. We are a not for profit organization that provides therapeutic equine assisted activities for people with physical, mental, emotional and learning disabilities.
14492 Ivor Rd
Sedley, VA 23878-2306
757-653-9615
craiford@graznacres.org
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Healing Strides of Virginia
Healing Strides of Virginia Established in 1991, under the name Roanoke Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, Healing Strides of VA offers a variety of Equine Assisted Therapies to children, adolescents, and adults in the surrounding Roanoke Valley area. Their clients range from physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities to at-risk populations.
272 Naff Road
Boones Mill, VA 24065
540-334-5825
programs@healingstridesofva.org
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Heartland Horse Heroes
Heartland Horse Heroes' mission is to provide and support equestrian activities for individuals who have mental, physical, emotional, social challenges or learning disabling conditions. Heartland Horse Heroes is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). Heartland Horse Heroes opeates in two facilities, one inBuckingham County, Virginia and one in Prince Edward County, Virginia. Both facilities offer therapeutic riding lessons with PATH Registered Instructors.
16680 W. James Anderson Hwy
Buckingham, VA 23921
434-983-8181
heartlandhorseheroes@ymail.com
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Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center
Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. was founded in December 1993 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization to provide services in four main areas: Recreational Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Equestrian Competition, Education and Outreach. Hoofbeats engages in outreach programs to inform the public about the benefits of therapeutic riding and the concerns of the disabled. In all activities, Hoofbeats strives to encourage positive mental attitudes, physical fitness, trust, self-confidence, and independence that will supplement other forms of therapy and/or healing. Hoofbeats operates according to the standards and guidelines of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), of which it is an accredited premier operating center. Hoofbeats is also an active member of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV).
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PO Box 979
Lexington, VA 24450-0979
540-464-3337
hoofbeats@rockbridge.net
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Horses Helping Heroes Project
In 2006, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, in conjunction with the Army's Caisson Platoon, implemented a pilot program for soldiers injured in Iraq and Afghanistan using the horses from the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment at Ft. Myer, VA. The improvement in balance, muscle strength, posture, self-esteem and self-confidence seen during this pilot resulted in the creation of the Caisson Platoon Equine Assisted Program which continues today. These same improvements served as the catalyst for the development of the HORSES HELPING HEROES PROJECT.
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We are honored to make this ground-breaking program available to military and first responder veterans with special needs and disabilities, residing in the Hampton Roads and Tidewater regions of Virginia.
1807 S Church St - Suite 108 - PMB 143
Smithfield, VA 23430
757-356-0408
horseshelpingheroes@gmail.com
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Inspiring Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship Inc.
Inspiring Strides Therapeutic Horsemanship, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire change and improve the quality of life of individuals with special needs through therapeutic riding lessons, horsemanship programs, and equine assisted activities in a safe and caring environment. Inspiring Strides is a Center Member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV).
PO Box 1731
Midlothian, VA 23113
804-519-9486
cm.isth@gmail.com
​​Lift Me Up!
LiftMeUp! is a therapeutic horseback riding program that is dedicated to providing safe and effective instruction to children and adults with a variety of disabilities. We teach riding skills adapted to the individual's cognitive and physical needs. By combining the unique and special presence of the horse and the skills and caring of our registered instructors, we have been able to help hundreds of people gain confidence, strength, and invaluable self-esteem in a friendly, fun environment. Participation in LiftMeUp! has helped our students to sit or stand unassisted, walk independently, improve their focus and attention span, and enhance their social and communication skills.
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PO Box 104
Great Falls, VA 22066
703-759-6221
info@liftmeup.org
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Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Foundation
Loudoun Therapeutic Riding embraces the power of the horse and equine-assisted services to promote well-being and community inclusion for people with physical, cognitive, and mental health challenges.
14490 Berlin Turnpike
Lovettsville, VA 20180
703-771-2689
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Mesa Vista Farm and Therapeutics
Welcome to Mesa Vista! We specialize in therapeutic riding for all ages. Our youngest is 3 & our mature rider is 76. We are open year-round to provide quality service! Having an indoor ring (along with an outdoor ring) provides minimal cancellation of lessons.
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Our program is run by Helen Messenger, a retired Pediatric Nurse & Kelly Kersey, a Pediatric ER nurse. Between the two of us, we have 75 years experience in nursing & horseback riding. We also offer traditional hunter & western riding programs to help support our main objective (therapeutic riding).
2650 Judes Ferry Road
Powhatan, VA 23139
804-598-1543
mesavistafarm@comcast.net
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Neigh Worries Farm LLC
We are a new farm under development located in Ruther Glen VA with 15 acres. We are in the early process of clearing land and constructing our barn. We hope to be up and running by end of 2025 early 2026. We will offer riding therapy for disabled veterans, law enforcement and disabled children. We also rescue horses and rehabilitate, train for therapy or rehome. To supplement riding therapy costs, we will offer boarding, training and grooming.
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19316 Landora Bridge Road
Ruther Glen, VA 22546
540-834-3929
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New Freedom Farm, Inc
New Freedom Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by veteran and retired forensic nurse investigator Lois Dawn Magill in 2016. Lois founded New Freedom Farm out of her personal understanding of PTSD and the therapeutic benefits of being around horses. Located on 26 level acres in Buchanan, VA, the farm is home to a number of equines, including wild mustangs, mares and their foals saved from slaughter, mini horses, and mini donkeys, among others. New Freedom Farm is dedicated to helping those who have served our country and their families. Since 2016, the farm's residents and programs have grown and continue to find new ways to serve veterans, first responders, and their families.
6118 Lithia Road
Buchanan, VA 24066
540-855-1158
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PATH International
PATH International was founded in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) to promote safe and effective therapeutic horseback riding throughout the United States and Canada. Today, PATH Intl. has more than 850 member centers and nearly 7,600 individual members in countries all over the world, who help and support more than 54,000 men, women and children with special needs each year through a variety of equine-assisted activities and therapies programs.
PO Box 33150
Denver, CO 80233
800-369-7433 or 303-452-1212
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Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center
Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center (501c3), a PATH Intl premier accredited organization, provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapies to children and adults living with a wide variety of disabilities and challenges. Rainbow meets students and their needs where they are - physically, intellectually, and addresses many different mental health challenges with the help of special horses. With our unique location at the entrance to Silver Lake Regional Park, we have access to safe trail riding trails, nature walks to explore fauna and flora, or kayaking for summer camps. We look forward to meting you at the barn.
16198 Silver Lake Road
Haymarket, VA 20169
703-794-5308
Simple Changes
Our mission is to enrich the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families and community through exceptional programs, especially therapeutic horsemanship. Simple Changes is a Premier Center accredited by PATH International and is a member center of the Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia (TRAV). We are located on the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Meadowood Recreation Area in Mason Neck, VA. We also have a satellite location in Catlett, VA. We are a non-profit organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding, hippotherapy and a variety of volunteer opportunities. Simple Changes provides all who participate a way to learn, share and discover the wonder of horses.
PO Box 991
Lorton, VA 22199
703-402-3613
simplechanges@hotmail.com
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Spirit Open Equestrian Program
SPIRIT's mission is to provide learning, improvement of life skills, and healing of the body, mind and spirit, using equine assisted activities. SPIRIT is not about equitation, horse shows, or year end points. It’s about metaphorical learning, using activities with horses – on the ground or in the saddle – to promote awareness and then relate that learning to life beyond the barn. Our goal is to teach communication, trust, responsibility, partnership, and empathy. Within the philosophy of our riding program, the outward expression of these principles is a responsible, considerate equestrian who rides with grace, balance, and sensitivity. We are a nationally recognized, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International).
PO Box 1342
Great Falls, VA 22066-8342
703-600-9667
spiritoep@gmail.com
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Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center is a mission-based non-profit organization providing equine assisted activities and therapies to individuals seeking opportunities for growth. Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center seeks to raise public awareness about special needs and to provide dynamic learning, recreation, socialization and therapy opportunities for individuals and groups in a farm environment.
40685 John Mosby Hwy
Aldie, VA 20105
571-367-4555
brooke.waldron@sproutcenter.org
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Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy
Tackfully Teamed Riding Academy Inc. is a non-profit organization specializing in therapeutic horseback riding. The center is designed to provide therapeutic riding to persons of all ages with disabilities.
7975 Henry Rd
Henry, VA 24102-3005
276-627-0024
tackfullyteamed@gmail.com
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Therapeutic Riding Association of VA
Therapeutic Riding Association of Virginia, Inc (TRAV) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986 to foster the concepts of therapeutic horsemanship for people with disabilities. Presently, there are approximately 20 member centers, all of which are also member operating centers of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), certifying their instructors through NARHA and complying with accreditation standards and procedures. TRAV individual members include program administrators, instructors, therapists, volunteers, parents, riders and other therapeutic riding enthusiasts.
P. O. Box 531
Upperville, VA 20184
703-508-7046
mjbeckman@gmail.com
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Unbridled Change
For more than 6 years, Unbridled Change has devoted its energy to passionately providing quality out-patient mental health services for children, teens, and adults that need support overcoming obstacles in their life. We do our work through equine assisted therapies and learning. Find out how you can start the process toward healing or contribute to changing the future of someone in need by contacting us today.
Boones Mill, VA 24065
540-334-2171
mhollingbrooks@unbridledchange.org
Untamed Spirit Therapeutic and Educational Program
The concept of moving forward is the basis for a new horse facility located in Virginia Beach. Nestled in the heart of Pungo farmland, Forward Motion Farm, LLC was developed by Barbara S. Ford, Ashley Ford and Shaun Gayhart in the summer of 2010 as a blended equine community, bringing both able-bodied and special needs individuals together in a positive and encouraging outdoor farm environment. The farm encompasses almost 25 acres of farmland, surrounded by aged trees in an idyllic and tranquil setting. Facilities include a 28 stall barn, Indoor Riding Arena, outdoor jumping ring, outdoor Dressage ring, round pen and numerous pastures. Future plans include an additional ring for therapeutic lessons, additional pastures, conference room for clinics and workshops and a small animal sanctuary.
3943 Dawley Rd
Virginia Beach, VA 23457
757-288-5999
barb@untamedspirit.org
Wheatland Farm
As a Member Center of PATH International, Wheatland Farm employs PATH certified riding instructors to teach our students. We are completely committed to the highest possible standards of excellence in the implementation of our therapeutic and cross category riding programs. Safety, top quality instruction and unparalleled professionalism are priorities for us at Wheatland Farm, as we continually strive to provide you and your family with the best possible therapeutic and traditional riding instruction.
15158 Berlin Turnpike
Purcelville, VA 20132
703-754-0511
muriel@wheatlandfarm.org