Meet Wendy Schonfeld of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 02:02:46 GMT

Meet Wendy Schonfeld of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center

For more than 13 years, Wendy Schonfeld has been creating a place where connection, confidence, and compassion come to life-one horse and one rider at a time. As the founder of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center in Clover, South Carolina, Wendy has built a program that serves children, young adults, and veterans with a wide range of disabilities, including autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and other intellectual and developmental challenges.

Each week, nearly 100 students participate in customized therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs supported by approximately 50 dedicated volunteers. Under Wendy’s leadership, every lesson is thoughtfully tailored to each rider’s individual strengths and goals, helping build balance, coordination, executive functioning skills, confidence, and social growth. RideAbility is also honored to serve as a Special Olympics Equestrian Training Center, preparing athletes from both South Carolina and North Carolina for competition through Special Olympics equestrian programs.

Beyond the arena, Wendy’s impact extends even further through RideAbility’s Work Study Program, which helps young adults develop meaningful job and life skills that reach far beyond the barn. Her mission is simple but powerful: to ensure every student feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving more than they imagined possible.

Wendy’s dedication is backed by extensive professional training. She is a P.A.T.H. Certified Therapeutic Instructor, Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator in Education, an Equine Specialist, Certified Executive Functioning Coach, and Certified Neurodivergent Coach. She also serves as an Equestrian Coach Clinician and Head Coach for South Carolina Special Olympics, helping athletes prepare for competition while building confidence and independence.

At its core, RideAbility is about belonging. Wendy believes that differences should never divide us, and that true inclusion begins with understanding and compassion. Through the powerful bond between horse and rider, she has created a space filled with joy, trust, and unconditional support-a place where students not only grow in skill, but also in belief in themselves.

RideAbility Volunteer of the Month

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:50:56 GMT

RideAbility Volunteer of the Month - Jill England

For 13 years, Jill England has been a steady and powerful presence at our center. Since 2013, she has shown up with consistency, heart, and a level of commitment that truly defines what it means to serve. Thirteen years of dedication is not just longevity - it is loyalty, leadership, and love in action.

Jill has worn many hats over the years. She has served as a team leader, guided lessons with confidence, side walked countless riders, and stepped in wherever needed without hesitation. Her calm direction in the arena, her ability to anticipate what a student needs, and her unwavering focus on safety and encouragement make her an anchor in our program.

What stands out most about Jill is her passion. She brings enthusiasm to every lesson and believes deeply in our students’ potential. When a rider feels unsure, Jill is right there - steady, positive, and confident. When a team needs direction, she provides it with clarity and kindness. She celebrates small wins and big breakthroughs alike, and our students feel that belief in them.

Jill has helped shape the growth of our center in ways that go far beyond the arena. Her leadership has strengthened our volunteer teams. Her reliability has allowed programs to expand. Her heart has helped build the culture we are so proud of today.

We truly cannot imagine our center growing the way it has without Jill’s love, dedication, and willingness to do whatever the mission calls for it. She embodies the spirit of service that makes everything we do possible.

Jill, we are deeply grateful for you. Thank you for thirteen incredible years. We look forward to many more years serving with us and making a difference in so many lives.

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Meet Wendy Schonfeld of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center