Westwind Riding Institute

Westwind Riding Institute offers recreational horseback riding classes for children with disabilities. The one-hour riding program includes fun games on horseback, walking next to the horse during class, leading horses, and helping to care for horses and ponies.

• Ages: 6–18 years old
• Schedule: One-hour riding program

For over 40 years, Westwind Riding Institute (formerly Westwind 4-H) has provided recreational horseback riding classes for children with disabilities. In this program, horseback riding is described as physically and psychologically therapeutic and as an activity that involves the whole body and utilizes every muscle and joint. Children play fun games on horseback that are described as improving their coordination and balance. Volunteers are described as the backbone of the program, and no previous experience is necessary for volunteers. Westwind Riding Institute is supported solely by tax-deductible gifts from interested individuals and organizations and gratefully accepts donations from the Santa Clara Realtors Foundation.

Last updated June 6, 2026.