About Us

Why We Do 

Founded in 2012, RideAbility is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and adults with disabilities, as well as veterans, through therapeutic adaptive riding, equine-assisted services, and experiential learning with horses.

Grounded in research, our programs offer proven physical, mental, and emotional benefits for individuals facing a wide range of cognitive and physical challenges. Our mission is to promote health, wellness, and education within the community, all in the calming setting of our peaceful farm environment.

RideAbility is an Approved Special Olympics Equestrian Training Center. We have more than 30 Certified Special Olympics coaches at our center, training athletes to help them prepare for the SC/NC State Games. The 10-week program begins in May and July.

At RideAbility Therapeutic Center, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to grow in confidence, communication, and independence. Our program blends adapted therapeutic riding instruction with equine-assisted learning to create a highly individualized and engaging experience for learners with diverse disabilities.

We work with individuals with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, dyslexia, executive function challenges, learning disabilities, anxiety, developmental delays, and other cognitive or physical differences. Through structured, multisensory strategies, obstacle courses and a sensory trail, students build fine motor skills, organization, sentence development, creative expression, and self-advocacy. Progress is measured not only in improved horsemanship skills, strength and balance, but in increased confidence and self-esteem. Each student is taught at their abilities and goals are set for their personal growth.

Equine-assisted learning adds a powerful experiential layer. Working alongside horses enhances focus, emotional regulation, body awareness, problem-solving, and social communication. Horses provide immediate, honest feedback, helping students develop self-control, leadership, patience, and resilience. Groundwork activities, obstacle courses, and team challenges strengthen executive functioning skills such as planning, sequencing, flexibility, and task initiation. The result is meaningful growth that carries over into the classroom, home, and community.

Our environment is welcoming, structured, and intentionally designed to meet diverse sensory and learning needs.

None of this would be possible without our exceptional team. Our volunteers, and teachers that bring their expertise, compassion, and consistency to every session. Their commitment ensures that each student feels safe, understood, and capable. Together, we create a community where strengths are recognized, challenges are supported, and every learner has the opportunity to succeed.