Thorncroft Equestrian Center

About the Program

Thorncroft's adaptive lessons teach riding skills, with instructors adapting equipment, teaching style, the horse and the lesson setting to each rider. Lessons alternate between unmounted horsemanship classes and riding, in Hunt Seat and Dressage (no jumping). Riders can also use the Zepka Discovery Trail, which has sensory elements. Thorncroft states that its lessons are not therapy or clinical treatment; families looking for hippotherapy are referred to PATH Intl. to find a provider.

Lessons are not held on Sundays. The riding lessons page lists adaptive and traditional lessons at $250 per month, and lessons are not covered by insurance or waiver funding. Current riders over 13 can earn an extra lesson by working six hours in the barn.

Veterans and First Responders

Intro to Horsemanship for Veterans is a six-week, non-therapy course open to veterans of all branches. The first five weeks are unmounted and cover equine behavior and herd dynamics, with riding in week six for those who qualify. Thorncroft says the course is free for veterans and covered by scholarships. A matching six-week course for first responders is taught by Kim Longo, CTRI, and no prior horse experience is needed. Both courses meet Wednesday evenings or Thursday afternoons and have a 200 lb rider weight limit. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans for more options.

The Horses and Staff

The homepage lists more than 30 horses, 20 instructors and 200 volunteers. Tiffany Meyer Bowers is the executive director and Jenny Dec, CTRI, is director of educational services. Several instructors hold PATH Intl. CTRI certification. The farm has two indoor arenas and a conference center.

Location

Thorncroft is at 190 Line Road, Malvern, PA 19355, in Chester County. Guests may not enter the barn without an appointment; call 610-644-1963 to schedule a tour. Office hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon.