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img Riding Center: 1255 Monument Pl, Newcastle, CA 95658
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Become a Rider

Thank you for your interest in Horses for Healing. Due to an exceptionally high volume of applications and a growing waitlist, we are temporarily pausing new rider applications.

Our board will reassess the waitlist in June 2025 to determine when we may be able to reopen the application process.

We truly appreciate your understanding and continued interest in our program. Please check back in early summer for updates.

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or (530) 887-9573.


Who Benefits from participating in a therapeutic riding program?

Individuals with the following:

  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Head Injury
  • Depression
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Cancer
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Blindness
  • Stroke
  • ADHD
  • Autism
  • Many other conditions as well

Veterans are welcome to participate as clients and/or volunteers.


Is there a waiting list?

Yes, we currently have a waitlist for both Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings, and both lists are quite full at this time.

We are not accepting new applications at the moment, but you are still welcome to visit the ranch, observe a lesson, and meet our horses and staff. Please check the Riding Calendar for our current schedule.


How much does it cost to ride with Horses for Healing?

We strive to keep our fees as low as possible. Lessons are $60.00 each in a six-week session ($360 per session), with a break of one week in between each session.


How do I become a rider with Horses for Healing?

1. Application Process (Temporarily Paused)
We are currently not accepting new rider applications due to high demand and a full waitlist.
However, if you’d like to review the forms in preparation for when applications reopen, you may still click here to view or print the application packet.

When the application window reopens, you and your doctor will need to complete the forms and mail them together to:

Horses for Healing
PO Box 4839
Auburn, CA 95604

2. Waitlist and Follow-Up
Once we resume accepting applications, our instructor will review your forms and follow up to discuss availability. This conversation helps determine your placement on the waitlist and gives a clearer idea of the expected timeline.

3. Scheduling and Assessment (when applicable)
When a time slot becomes available, our instructor will reach out to assign a horse “therapist” and schedule a weekly riding time. If an assessment is required for Alta funding, we will also coordinate a 30-minute evaluation. The assessment ride and written report are $160.


Can I try it out before I commit to the program?

At this time, we are not accepting new riders due to a full waitlist, but when the application process reopens, we do offer an evaluation period for new participants.

This trial period includes up to 2 rides at $60 each, allowing you to see if therapeutic riding is a good fit before committing to a full 6-week session. After the evaluation, you can decide whether to continue or withdraw with no obligation.


How do I become a sponsor?

You can help sponsor a rider or horse by making a tax deductible donation today. Simply click on the button below to make a safe and secure donation through PayPal. Or visit the Support Our Program page for more donation options.