Shady Hollow Assisted Riding

Shady Hollow Assisted Riding offers Traditional Lessons for beginning and intermediate riders, with group lessons and private lessons available. It also offers assisted riding, transitional riding, day camps, special events, and an Office of Vocational Rehab program with supported work experience with animals and farm chores. The program serves ages 5 through 19.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old

About the provider

Shady Hollow Assisted Riding was incorporated in 1998. Its mission states that it serves all ages and abilities through equine experiences and creates a supportive environment for those with special needs. Community service opportunities and events are also mentioned on the site.

• Traditional Lessons — Every other week · Group Lessons and Private Lessons for beginning and intermediate riders; evaluation required prior to lesson assignment. Required forms and payment must be submitted before scheduling.
• Assisted riding — Shown in testimonials and program descriptions as an offering for participants with special needs.
• Transitional riding — Mentioned in a testimonial as an activity at Shady Hollow.
• Day camps — Listed in the About page as one of the ways the organization serves participants.
• Special events — Listed in the About page as one of the ways the organization serves participants.
• Office of Vocational Rehab program — Three-hour experience; 30 hours total with a minimum 3-hour visit; once, twice, or 3 times per week; 30 hours must be completed within 90 days of start date · Supported work experience with animals and farm chores; scheduling goes through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Group Lessons and Private Lessons are offered for beginning and intermediate riders. Riders are assigned to groups according to riding skills unless otherwise requested. Traditional Lessons are every other week. Please allow at least 2 weeks for scheduling. For Assisted Lessons, the half-season payment should only be selected if previous arrangements have been made with the CEO or Program Director; all Assisted lessons must be paid in full prior to the start of the season. A completed Rider Membership Form and Membership Fee are required before lessons may begin.

What families say

“We have two boys with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy… As a parent, it is amazing to find an activity that our boys feel good about doing… We are so grateful for this activity in our boys’ lives.” — Lauren and John Fritz

“I have seen a remarkable difference in Troy since he started assisted and transitional riding at Shady Hollow. He is talking more and is calmer than he used to be… I would recommend Shady Hollow to anyone who has a child with special needs.” — Diane Fidler

Last updated October 25, 2026.