Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Center

Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Center offers therapeutic riding lessons, Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Therapy (EAPT), and other horse-based activities. Participants have hands-on interaction with horses as part of these equine-assisted services.

• Ages: 0–18 years old

Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Center’s mission is to provide therapeutic riding lessons, Equine-Assisted Learning, and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Therapy, along with other horse-based activities designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit of individuals with physical and mental special needs, while offering a forever home to a herd of rescued, donated, or abandoned horses. The specialized staff includes certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors and Equine Specialists in Mental Health & Learning who are EAGALA certified. The program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a member of PATH Intl., the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.

Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club has been serving the community for more than twenty years, has provided equine-assisted services for over 20 years, and officially became a nonprofit in 2007. The leadership team includes Founder Bernadette Olsen, her husband Jeff, their sons Ebo and Jeffrey, and her longtime friend Larry Lake. The organization has worked with over 1,000 volunteers, served more than 600 individuals with special needs, and hosted many occupational therapy students for their first fieldwork experiences. Volunteers of all ages help care for the animals, support riders, and sustain the daily life of the ranch, which has become a place of belonging for families, volunteers, and the broader community.

Last updated June 14, 2026.