The Therapeutic Riding Institute
Spring Valley, Ohio
The Therapeutic Riding Institute (TRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a 23-acre farm in Spring Valley, Ohio, founded in 1973. It describes itself as the only PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center in the Dayton region. TRI serves about 250 people a year, ages 5 to 80, from across Southwest Ohio.
- Group therapeutic and adaptive riding lessons
- Horsemanship and private lessons
- Adapted summer day camps
- Taking the Reins equine-assisted counseling
- EAGLE equine-assisted learning for youth groups
- Warriors In Step with Horses (WISH) for veterans and first responders
- Children and adults with cognitive, physical or behavioral challenges
- People with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- People with mental health diagnoses
- Youth served by partner organizations
- Veterans and first responders
More about this center
About the Program
TRI's therapeutic riding program is for participants 5 and older with cognitive, physical, behavioral or mental health diagnoses. Riders work toward horsemanship goals in a group setting alongside volunteers and peers, in 10-week sessions offered four times a year. Horsemanship and private lessons are scheduled by program staff.
Summer camps run Monday through Thursday, 9am to 1pm, for ages 6 to 14, with an advanced week for riders 15 and up. Each camper is assigned a horse for the week.
Counseling and Learning Programs
Taking the Reins is a six-week unmounted counseling program led by a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, plus shorter retreats. EAGLE (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Experience) works with Miami Valley organizations that serve youth, focusing on emotions, self-regulation and peer communication.
Warriors In Step with Horses (WISH) offers equine-assisted counseling for veterans and first responders. It is facilitated by Gretchen Brocwell, LPCC, and Tim Spradlin, a retired Air Force first sergeant and Eagala Equine Specialist with Military Designation. See equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
Stephanie Llacuna, CFRE, is the executive director and Samantha Ingersoll is the program director. The team page lists 12 staff with CTRI credentials, several of them also certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), and the Our Horses page introduces about a dozen horses. The farm has an indoor arena with a heated and air-conditioned viewing room, and every building has an accessible entrance.
Location
TRI is at 3960 Middle Run Rd., Spring Valley, OH 45370, and serves participants from across Southwest Ohio. Visits are by appointment only. The office is open Monday through Thursday 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 2pm.
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 adaptive riding?
Email the New Participant Application to singersoll@triohio.org, return the registration packet and physician's release, then schedule an in-person evaluation at the farm. Questions can go to 937-317-4439.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed, weekly therapeutic and adaptive riding lessons (30 to 45 minutes) are $45 a week, or $450 per 10-week session, and summer camp is $375 a week. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply; TRI also accepts county DD board vouchers. TRI programs are not covered by medical insurance.
What ages does TRI serve?
Adaptive riding is for ages 5 and up, and TRI says it serves riders up to age 80. Summer camps are for ages 6 to 14, with one week for riders 15 and older.
How do veterans join WISH?
Email singersoll@triohio.org or call 937-317-4001. TRI also partners with Joseph House of Cincinnati to connect veterans with the program.
Location
Spring Valley, Ohio 45370
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.