“There are no words to describe the AMAZING work that Rideability Therapeutic Center provides to its students. My daughter started riding here almost a year ago. She has finally found somewhere that she belongs. I too, have found amazing comfort in the support and love we find at Rideability. They serve and treat the ENTIRE person/child. It is not a one plan fits all for every student. Wendy and Maddie work together to come up with a plan that works for the student and their success. Prior to finding Rideability, we had been told that our daughter wasn’t learning or retaining information. However, with the amazing support of the whole Rideability crew, we found she IS able to learn and retain information, just a little differently from others. She loves her horse and the barn life so much. Going to the barn and being with her horse can turn a whole afternoon around her. She has made amazing progress, including letter recognition (she was unable to recognize and identify her alphabet), progressing with spelling new words, and most importantly is finding the self-confidence and encouragement that she needed. Without Rideability and the services they provide, I’m not sure where my daughter and I would be now. This is an amazing cause and an amazing service. I will be forever grateful for the love, support, encouragement, and services that Rideability staff, horses, and volunteers provide for its students and their families. They’re far more deserving than anything I could ever provide for them!"
Jill Dover 
Proud mother of a Rideability student (Hannah age 7)
Rideability is a very special place. We actually met Wendy while we were looking to buy a house in Clover. I had heard about the Therapeutic Riding Program and wanted to check it out. Wendy immediately made us feel welcome and introduced Julian to her horses and he has been regularly attending for 8 years now.
The power of horses never ceases to amaze me. Whenever Julian has a hard time, he always wants to tell 'his horse' all about it and he always feels better afterwards. Riding a horse has given him confidence, improved his balance and muscle tone and an instilled a sense of responsibility. Being a part of the Special Olympics team has been a life changing experience for all of us. 
Julian won 2 golds and a bronze this year but most importantly he grew in his mind and heart from the tremendous support of our entire team from Rideability Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. Each year everything he sees and feels, the love and support and genuine acceptance, gets processed in his brain and he learns how to love better. I am so grateful for horses and for friends who act like family.
Tina Cargill
“What a difference a year makes.” We have all heard this quote before.  However, it resonates so much when using it to describe the journey of a child on the Autism Spectrum. 
A neuro-divergent child can never be categorized as a one size fits all.  The uniqueness of each individual is huge as well as the challenges that come with it. Looking for ways to assist them to discover the confidence they seek, behavior tools, stability in their physical bodies and the Joy of just being, can be a daunting task. 
In August 2022, my son Sullivan took his first lesson at Rideability Therapeutic Riding Center & Equine Assisted Services and has never looked back. Dr. Wendy, staff and volunteers immediately embraced all that he is and more. Never could I have been prepared for the astounding journey she would take Sullivan on to become the boy he is today.  
When Sullivan began lessons at Rideability, he was experiencing so much difficulty in school both with his behavior and academically. He would have moments of complete shut down or react when things did not go as planned. However, when he sat on his horse, the magic appeared. There is this undeniable and unspoken energy that connects a horse with a child. It is truly a wonder to see this healing happening before your eyes. All of that confusion, the feeling of being different melts away. It's just Sullivan and Lexie, together. 
Within a year Sullivan has been able to compete twice in the North Carolina Special Olympic Games. He sees and feels the accomplishments he has worked so diligently on. He is able to focus on tasks, find the humor in a challenge and above all patience with himself and others. Where his anxiety would hinder Sullivan, he has discovered his calm. 
Rideability has created a sanctuary for all to be part of a community, a team. I have been witness to many children with all abilities blossom, grow and radiate with pride. Whether it be accomplishing a trot, playing a game, painting a horse or sharing barn time, with the assistance of their horse, anything is possible.
Life it is not a linear journey. It is one filled with many twists and turns. Magnify that by 100 and that is in my perspective how my child is living, being on the spectrum. Everything the world says he and all of the kids “should” be doing, living and acting is the direct opposite of what their life is. Dr. Wendy, all of her staff and volunteers offers them the ability to live outside that box and affirm that there is no box. The amount of gratitude I have for Rideability is never ending and they truly deserve every bit of recognition they get.  
In closing, I am not sure where Sullivan would be if we did not discover Rideability. However, I have no doubt that his life has been profoundly shifted as a result of this incredible program.  Sullivan has found his happiness; he has discovered his Brave. What they bring to the community is priceless!
Much Joy,
Amy Gonzalez-Nelsen and Sullivan Nelsen
When I retired in August 2021, I knew that I wanted to find a way to give back to my community. Having been involved with horses for many years, I had heard great things about RideAbility. I attended a volunteer orientation day on a Saturday and Wendy put me to work that Monday – and I haven’t looked back since. I even took it to the next level to become a Certified Equestrian Special Olympics Coach.
It’s hard to express what a special place RideAbility is. For all of us – riders, volunteers, and horses – it is a place of hope, healing, joy, love, courage, and resiliency. Our riders find a new purpose as they bond with their horse, learn new skills, mature emotionally, and strengthen their bodies. To my surprise, though, I learned that we as volunteers are rewarded with the same and so much more. It is such a blessing to be a part of the journey with each of our riders and each of our horses. I have shed many tears of joy. Yes, I volunteered to give back to my community, but the reward I receive is way more than I could ever give.
Paula Clayton
Volunteer and Special Olympics Coach