The minimum age for becoming a Strides participant is 3 years. Prior to this age, there is some evidence that micro-fractures can occur from the repetative motion of riding. In addition, children under this age rarely fit into a safety riding helmet. We make exceptions to this rule only when the benefits outweight the drawbacks.  There is no maximum age for participating in our program. For the well-being of our horses, we have a weight limit of 180 lbs. This may change if we get a horse that can carry a heavier rider. We accept riders with all disabilities, providing that NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicap Association) does not list the disability as a contraindication to riding, and a doctor signs a release indicating that, in his or her opinion, riding would be indicated for this person. An initial evaluation by one of our certified instructors is required before anyone is accepted into our program.


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What happens after the Initial Evaluation?

After the initial evaluation, goals are set for the rider for the current quarter. These may include physical, cognitive and/or behavioral goals. They may also include riding skills and competition goals. An appropriate method of mounting and dismounting are described and put in the rider's chart, along with the evaluation results. Suggestions for appropriate horses and tack are also included. This information is then used by our instructors to design lesson plans and objectives for each lesson. At the end of the quarter, the rider is reassessed to see if the goals have been met, and to set new goals for the next quarter.



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What is a typical lesson like?

There are no "typical" lessons. Lessons are designed with the individual rider's goals and needs in mind. Individual lessons are 1/2 hour long, and usually include stretches and warm-up exercises, activities designed to reinforce and meet the goals and objectives, games that reinforce the day's lessons, and there may be homework assigned as well. As the rider advances, ground skills such as grooming and tacking may be added to the lesson or incorporated on rainy or windy days instead of riding. Group lessons are 1 hour and always include ground skills as well as the activities described above. For riders who are too small to groom and saddle a horse, are in wheelchairs or walkers, or have poor balance, we have a miniature horse who is just the right size for learning grooming and saddling, and even walking and lunging a horse.


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When is Strides open?

We have classes on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, all year round. During the school year our classes are in the afternoons. To avoid the summer heat, we switch to morning classes once school is out for the summer. Strides operates on a quarter system, with 12 weeks of classes, followed by one week off to retrain our horses and volunteers and to write new goals for each rider for the next quarter.


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What else does Strides offer?

We offer a number of special programs in addition to our regular ones described above. We have a summer day camp for our riders offered in 1-week sessions. We attend horse shows at least three times a year, once at our ranch and the others elsewhere. There is a sibling program, where able-bodied siblings may ride on a space-available basis. Siblings over the age of 13 may also volunteer. As our riders improve their skills, many of them become volunteers as well. We also offer a Work-to Ride program of Equine Assisted Learning for abused teens. Each month we put out a Rider Newsletter, with games, information and activities for our riders. This is sent by e-mail, so you must have an e-mail address to receive it.


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What does it cost to participate?

Strides program for disabled riders operates on a session basis . A session can vary from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the time of year.  An 8 week session is $280.  Riders entering in the middle of the session or signing up for a shorter period of time are charged $40 per lesson  Able bodied lessons are also $40 per lesson or $160 per month.

New!!  You can now pay for your sessions securely online by credit card:

Once a year we require that each family pays an Annual Participation Fee.  This is due in January for ongoing riders, or at the time you join us for new riders.  The minimum fee is $50, but as this is a donation to help cover unexpected costs, we encourage you to donate as much as you can. 

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How do I sign up for Strides?

The first step is to call us at (818) 341-4737 and request an appointment for an evaluation. You can download the application here, or we will mail it to you.

Rider Application 
Please click on the words above to download and print a rider application. You can fill it out and bring it with you to the ranch the first time you come.