Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program, 195 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460
About
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program offers equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and other life challenges. The program uses horses in structured activities and follows the motto, “Walk. Trot. Heal.”
The mission of Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is to provide quality equine-assisted activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and other life challenges, regardless of their ability to pay. The program was founded in 1990, began in founder Mary Ann Evans’ backyard with a single horse, and was initially known as “4H Hearts.” It was operated by the UC 4H extension program for a decade and transitioned into a separate 501(c)(3) organization in 2000. The program serves almost 70 students each week and 300 unduplicated people annually.
PATH International certifies the program’s instructors and provides guidance and continuing education. Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is a Premier Accredited Center with PATH International, which is the highest international rating in this field, and the center undergoes rigorous audits by PATH Intl. every 5 years. The leadership team includes Mary Ann Evans, PhD (Founder), Kim Dotzler (Programs), and Whitney Simpson (Volunteers). One testimonial shared by the program is, “There is much we can learn from a friend who happens to be a horse.” – Aleksandra Layland.
Last updated March 26, 2026.
The mission of Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is to provide quality equine-assisted activities to children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional and other life challenges, regardless of their ability to pay. The program was founded in 1990, began in founder Mary Ann Evans’ backyard with a single horse, and was initially known as “4H Hearts.” It was operated by the UC 4H extension program for a decade and transitioned into a separate 501(c)(3) organization in 2000. The program serves almost 70 students each week and 300 unduplicated people annually.
PATH International certifies the program’s instructors and provides guidance and continuing education. Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is a Premier Accredited Center with PATH International, which is the highest international rating in this field, and the center undergoes rigorous audits by PATH Intl. every 5 years. The leadership team includes Mary Ann Evans, PhD (Founder), Kim Dotzler (Programs), and Whitney Simpson (Volunteers). One testimonial shared by the program is, “There is much we can learn from a friend who happens to be a horse.” – Aleksandra Layland.
Last updated March 26, 2026.
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