Therapeutic Riding
Helen Woodward Animal Center – Therapeutic Riding, 6523 Helen Woodward Way, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
About
Therapeutic Riding offers equine-assisted activities in weekly lessons where students interact with specially trained horses. The program includes lesson plans that are developed with input from parents, physicians, physical therapists, and special education teachers. Lessons aim to enhance physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and motor skills, and the program stresses having fun in a safe and rewarding environment.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Lesson options Tuesday–Friday during daytime hours and on weekends
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding program illustrates the Center’s creed, “People helping animals and animals helping people,” and is dedicated to serving riders with special needs through equine-assisted activities. The program is back to full capacity with a lengthy waiting list. Lessons are taught by experienced PATH certified staff members, and the program is led by Therapeutic Riding Administrative Coordinator Gretchen Davis. Helen Woodward Animal Center was established in 1972 and has been an Organization in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022. The program acknowledges support from organizations and individuals including Charity Fair Horse Show, Confidence Foundation, Evergate Stables, Harriet E Pfleger Foundation, Jeanne Bates Household, John & Beverly Stauffer Foundation, The Menard Foundation, and Myers Family Foundation. Families can also find a Sponsor A Therapy Horse page to support the horses and a YouTube page with fun, educational videos created by the Therapeutic Riding team.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: Lesson options Tuesday–Friday during daytime hours and on weekends
Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Therapeutic Riding program illustrates the Center’s creed, “People helping animals and animals helping people,” and is dedicated to serving riders with special needs through equine-assisted activities. The program is back to full capacity with a lengthy waiting list. Lessons are taught by experienced PATH certified staff members, and the program is led by Therapeutic Riding Administrative Coordinator Gretchen Davis. Helen Woodward Animal Center was established in 1972 and has been an Organization in Special Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council since 2022. The program acknowledges support from organizations and individuals including Charity Fair Horse Show, Confidence Foundation, Evergate Stables, Harriet E Pfleger Foundation, Jeanne Bates Household, John & Beverly Stauffer Foundation, The Menard Foundation, and Myers Family Foundation. Families can also find a Sponsor A Therapy Horse page to support the horses and a YouTube page with fun, educational videos created by the Therapeutic Riding team.
Last updated June 22, 2026.
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