FAQs

+ I have a horse that would be a perfect therapeutic riding or para-dressage horse. Can I donate him/her?

Yes! Many of our horses have been generously donated to us. Due to the demands of our busy program, we do have some general criteria for a horse donation. We will also typically request a 30-day trial lease for any equines we consider. We are happy to work with you on donation terms, but we typically do not accept horses on short-term leases.

+ I’m interested in therapeutic riding for myself or a family member. How do I get started?

Browse our program offerings in the navigation above, and follow the links to contact us! We'll be in touch with next steps based on your interest.

+ How long is your waitlist?

While we know it is frustrating, the answer is “it depends!” We do our very best to put new participants in suitable groups of like peers and abilities. So, we can never be sure when just the right spot will open up. It also takes significant resources—funds, horses, and staff—to support each participant. As a non-profit we have to carefully balance these resources before accepting additional participants.

+ Will my insurance pay for riding lessons?

Most likely, no. We provide "Equine Assisted Activities" which are considered a recreational activity. While there ARE very real physical and mental benefits to riding, our services are not designed as a treatment to any condition. Essentially, we provide adaptive horsemanship activities, not therapy.

+ How do I donate horse tack and equipment?

We do accept used tack and equipment. Please review our Donate Tack & Equipment page to see what we can and what we cannot accept. While we’d love to take everything, safety considerations prohibit us from accepting some items. Please contact us prior to dropping off used tack or equipment.

+ What is the minimum age for volunteering?

Our insurance policy mandates that all volunteers must be at least 14 years old at the time they attend orientation. There are, unfortunately, no exceptions to this.

+ I’m experienced with horses, can I volunteer to train or exercise your horses?

No, we do not allow volunteers to train or exercise our horses. All of our horses work very hard in regular lessons, and they deserve time off. They also have training and conditioning needs that are very unique to working with riders with disabilities. Our dedicated staff of equine professionals provides all of our horse training and conditioning.

+ Can I volunteer to clean stalls, feed horses, or groom horses?

The care and management of our horses is our top priority, and our full-time barn manager is responsible for daily care and feeding. Our volunteer program is designed to directly serve our participants. Volunteers can be trained as grooming assistants, but horses are only groomed prior to classes. We do not allow volunteers to drop-in to groom horses.

+ I am a student and need volunteer hours for a school program. Can I get them at TRI?

Yes, we are happy to provide recommendation letters and sign off on volunteer hours reports. But, make sure you plan ahead—all volunteers must attend an orientation and are expected to volunteer on a regular schedule. We cannot accommodate volunteers looking for hours on short notice, or those who only wish to volunteer one time.

+ How much do riding lessons cost?

Currently tuition is $360 for each 6-week session. Our fees represent a fraction of what it actually costs to provide safe, progressive horsemanship education. Participants who are unable to pay their portion of the lesson fees due to financial hardship may apply for scholarship funds.

+ Can I visit your facility?

Yes, with some advance notice! To protect the privacy and confidentiality of our participants, we do not allow drop-ins to observe lessons or tour the facility. If you’d like to learn about us, please contact us and we’ll be happy to arrange a time when we can show you around!

+ Do you offer trail rides or riding lessons to the general public?

No, our operations are entirely non-profit and dedicated to serving people with disabilities and other challenges. We do not offer riding lessons, trail rides, pony parties, or horse boarding to the general public.