Meet Wendy Schonfeld of RideAbility Therapeutic Riding Center

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.