Therapeutic Riding of Tucson
Tucson, Arizona
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, known as TROT, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center on 18 acres in Tucson, Arizona. It offers adaptive therapeutic riding, equine-assisted counseling and equine-assisted learning for people with disabilities starting at age 4, plus a program for veterans and first responders.
- Adaptive riding
- Equine-assisted counseling
- Equine-assisted learning for schools and organizations
- Heroes & Horses for veterans and first responders
- Back In The Saddle for riders recovering from horse-related injury or trauma
- Taste of TROT summer camp
- People with disabilities, starting at age 4
- People with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- People with traumatic brain injury, muscular dystrophy or multiple sclerosis
- People with limb amputations
- People with anxiety, depression or PTSD
- Veterans and first responders
- School groups and organizations
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons are weekly, one-hour group classes of about four riders, taught by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Riders work toward skill-based riding and horsemanship goals. A mechanical lift helps wheelchair users mount.
Equine-assisted counseling is led by a licensed mental health professional, with goals set together with the client. TROT runs special counseling groups for women, teens, veterans and first responders. Heroes & Horses combines equine-assisted learning, adaptive riding and counseling for veterans and first responders of all abilities, at no cost to them. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
Equine-assisted learning builds trust, communication and other life skills, and is available to school groups and organizations in several formats. Back In The Saddle is for people with past horse experience who were hurt in a horse-related incident or want to get past horse-related trauma. Taste of TROT is a short summer camp for ages 8 to 17 covering horsemanship, riding and equine-assisted learning. It is open to families not already enrolled at TROT.
Getting Started
New participants complete their program application and have their doctor sign a medical release, then meet a TROT instructor for an intake visit to confirm the program is a good fit. Weight limits, behavioral concerns or some medical conditions can rule out riding for some people.
TROT says it has never turned away an applicant because of cost since it began in 1974.
The Horses and Staff
Jeff Copfer is executive director, and Dora Kafkaridou Brown, a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, is program director. Sierra Ohrel is a Licensed Professional Counselor. The herd includes Quarter Horses, mustangs, a Fjord, a Gypsy Vanner, a Haflinger, a Morgan and several ponies, kept in pastures with stalls.
History
Nancy McGibbon and Barbara Rector co-founded TROT in 1974 at Al-Marah Farms, making it one of the first programs of its kind in the US. It moved to its Woodland Road home in 1986 and finished a covered arena in 2021.
Location
TROT is at 8920 E Woodland Road in Tucson, Arizona 85749. Classes run on weekday early mornings, late afternoons and Saturdays.
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 at TROT?
Complete the application for your program and a physician release, then attend an intake meeting with a TROT instructor.
What ages does TROT serve?
TROT serves people with disabilities starting at age 4. Taste of TROT summer camp is for ages 8 to 17.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (520) 749-2360 for current rates. Heroes & Horses is free for veterans and first responders.
Can I volunteer without horse experience?
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 14 and start with orientation and side walker training. Volunteers commit to at least one class per semester.
Location
Tucson, Arizona 85749
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.