The Red Barn Foundation
Leeds, Alabama
The Red Barn is a nonprofit in Leeds, Alabama, that provides educational, therapeutic and equine-assisted programs for people with disabilities and special circumstances. Its main programs are weekly therapeutic riding lessons, ground-based camps and classes, and a no-cost program for veterans and their families.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (Equine Assisted Horsemanship)
- Equine-assisted learning camps and classes
- Field trips for groups
- Cpl. Anthony Clay Ward Program for Veterans
- Horse Sense program for law enforcement officers
- Registered apprenticeships in therapeutic riding instruction and equine care
- Children with disabilities
- People with disabilities and special circumstances
- Children with communication disorders, including autism and cerebral palsy
- Veterans and their families
- Law enforcement officers
More about this center
About the Program
Riding lessons are 45 minutes long and taught by certified therapeutic riding instructors. Most lessons are private, one rider with one instructor, and focus on riding position and skills adapted to each rider's abilities. Riders come at the same time each week in terms of 8 to 10 weeks and usually keep their slot for as long as they are interested and able to continue.
Equine Assisted Learning is ground based, so participants do not ride. Camps and classes include grooming, leading horses and watching herd behavior. Horse Sense, provided with The JAYC Foundation, teaches law enforcement officers to read the body language of children with communication disorders, using horses as the model.
Veterans
The Cpl. Anthony Clay Ward Program for Veterans honors a U.S. Marine Corps corporal whose family became involved with The Red Barn in 2013. Veterans and their families can take part in any program at no cost, and a program, camp or class can be tailored for a specific veterans group. Veterans start by filling out an interest form, and a staff member follows up. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
The herd has 16 horses. The staff includes riding instructors certified through PATH Intl. and CETCH, and two licensed occupational therapists, including program manager Lizz O'Neal, OTR/L. Alexis Braswell is the equine director.
The Red Barn runs two registered apprenticeships, Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor and Equine Caretaker. Instructor Ivey Wise Lapidus was the first person in the country to complete the instructor apprenticeship.
History and Volunteering
The Red Barn opened in 2012 with a horse, a barn and one student, inspired by Anita Cowart's vision, and is named for the little red barn where it started. It now serves about 100 children a week and keeps a waiting list.
Volunteers must be at least 16. Roles include barn operations, horse handling and agency ambassador, and barn and horse volunteers can train to work as side walkers in lessons. All volunteers complete an online test, two background checks and an orientation.
Location
The Red Barn is at 2722 Bailey Road, Leeds, AL 35094. Call (205) 699-8204 for directions or to schedule a visit.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll in riding lessons?
Fill out the online enrollment form as completely as you can, and a staff member will contact you within a week to explain next steps. There is a waiting list, and placement depends on matching the rider's availability with an instructor and horse.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (205) 699-8204 to ask about current rates. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. Veterans and their families take part at no cost.
Can a school or group book a visit?
Yes. Field trips are offered for all ages depending on group size and the barn schedule. Email Lizz@theredbarn.org to arrange one.
Location
Leeds, Alabama 35094
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.