The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit equine-assisted services program located in Lakeside, California, just east of San Diego. The center provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities designed to support children and adults with disabilities through structured interaction with horses in a supportive ranch environment.
Founded in 2004, the program focuses on improving cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being while helping riders build confidence, independence, balance, coordination, and social skills. The center emphasizes individualized instruction, carefully matching each rider with a suitable horse based on their goals, abilities, and needs.
About This Program
The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center offers therapeutic horseback riding and equine-assisted activities for individuals with a wide range of disabilities and developmental challenges. The organization’s mission is to create life-enhancing experiences through the healing connection between horses and people.
The program uses riding instruction, horsemanship education, mounted games, and horse care activities to help participants improve strength, coordination, communication, confidence, and emotional regulation. Lessons are adapted to each rider’s individual goals and abilities.
Services Offered
• Therapeutic horseback riding
• Equine-assisted activities (EAA)
• Adaptive riding instruction
• Horsemanship and horse care education
• Grooming and tacking instruction
• Groundwork and mounted activities
• Personalized rider evaluations and goal planning
• Volunteer-assisted riding sessions
Who They Serve
The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center may be good for:
• Children and adults with physical disabilities
• Individuals with autism spectrum disorders
• Riders with developmental delays or disabilities
• Individuals with cerebral palsy
• People with Down syndrome
• Individuals with learning disabilities
• Riders recovering from stroke or brain injury
• Individuals with visual or hearing impairments
• Families seeking supportive equine-assisted programs
Facility and Setting
The center is located in Lakeside, California, in a rural setting east of San Diego. The property provides a natural outdoor environment where riders can interact with horses while experiencing a calm ranch atmosphere surrounded by local wildlife and open space.
The facility includes lesson areas, riding spaces, and a herd of specially selected horses trained to work with therapeutic riding students. Horses are matched individually with riders based on temperament, movement, and participant goals.
What Makes Them Unique
The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center emphasizes individualized partnerships between horse and rider, with programs tailored to each student’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. The center focuses on building independence, accomplishment, and self-confidence through long-term rider development.
The organization was founded by Robin Pawl, who combined her background in biology, personal fitness training, life coaching, and therapeutic riding instruction to create the program. Staff members have received specialized training through NARHA, now known as PATH Intl.