Skylar on horse for Therapeutic Riding

Adaptive Riding +
Horsemanship

Strengthen the body, enrich the senses and learn new skills in a healthy and natural environment through adaptive riding, also known as therapeutic riding.

Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding and Horsemanship partners horses and people to achieve a wide variety of skills, with benefits received physically, cognitively, and socially. Further, working on the ground with the horses learning horsemanship skills provides additional learning opportunities and time to connect with the horses.

Program Details:

Our program is offered in three seasonal sessions: Winter, Spring/Summer and Fall. For exact enrollment dates, please refer to our online program calendar.

  • A PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center: Riders in Main Stay's Adaptive Riding + Horsemanship Program participate in weekly lessons taught by a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and when needed, are supported by our vetted and trained volunteer leaders and side walkers.
  • Indoor Arena and Lift Ramp: Riding sessions take place in our indoor, heated adaptive riding arena, which includes a lift ramp and a large seating area for families and guardians to watch their rider.
  • Outdoor Sensory Arena: When weather appropriate, riders can enjoy their sessions in the outdoor sensory arena.
  • Trained Volunteers: All Main Stay volunteers are required to submit a background check and undergo extensive training. Volunteers assist as needed in ensuring the rider’s success.
  • Private and Sem-Private Classes: Classes are formatted as 30-minute private lesson (1 rider) or 45-minute semi-private lesson (2-3 riders). Riding partners are chosen based on similar ability levels.

Riders must be 3 years in age or older, weighing 200 pounds or less.

Contact Us to Learn More

Engaging with the animals, staff and volunteers creates a community where endless learning occurs. Contact Us to learn about riding and current lesson availability.

Riders who are experiencing financial barriers are able to apply for Main Stay’s financial assistance program – fully funded through fundraising initiatives and grants from private foundations. Learn More about financial assistance and eligibility.

session payment

Interested in Becoming a Client?

More information

How You Can Help

Main Stay is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and receives no state or federal funding. Through the generosity of individuals, private foundations, corporations and service organizations, Main Stay is able to touch hundreds of lives each year.
Accomplishments & Accreditation
Charity Navigator 4-star Rating LogoPlatinum Transparency 2024 Candid.PATH International Accredited Center logoEQUUS Foundation Guardian Seal Effective Date: May 2023