Wheatland Equestrian
Upperville, Virginia
Wheatland Equestrian, also known as Wheatland Farm, is a riding program of the Faith & Family Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It offers adapted therapeutic riding, para dressage and traditional riding at Belle Grey Farm in Upperville, Virginia. Riders with and without disabilities train side by side.
- Therapeutic (adapted) riding lessons
- Para dressage training and competition preparation
- Traditional riding lessons
- Summer camp
- Pony Club horse management lessons
- Training board
- Free riding assessment
- Children, teens and adults
- Riders with developmental delays
- Riders with physical impairments
- Riders with learning disabilities
- Riders with anxiety disorders
- Para-equestrian athletes
- Riders without disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
Irish tenor Mark Forrest and his wife Muriel established the Faith & Family Foundation in 1999 to support families like their own. The couple has eight sons, four of whom live with profound disabilities. The riding program grew from a small, family-centered program at a campus in Purcellville and moved to Belle Grey Farm in Upperville, where all programs are held.
Therapeutic riding lessons are taught by an adapted riding instructor with help from volunteers. Wheatland describes three pathways: therapy only, therapy leading to adaptive sport, and competition. It says it is a USEF Center of Excellence for international para dressage, and it hosted a 2018 USEF para dressage team event for the World Equestrian Games at its former Purcellville campus.
The Horses and Staff
Muriel Forrest is the executive director. Wheatland lists her as a USEF Silver Para Dressage Coach and PATH Certified Instructor. Anthony Forrest, the head trainer and instructor, is listed as a USEF Bronze Para Dressage Coach and FEI 3* event rider. The instructor team includes USEF-certified para dressage coaches and adaptive riding instructors. The school herd ranges from First Level through Grand Prix dressage horses.
Getting Started
All lessons begin with a free 15-minute riding assessment, where a new student meets an instructor at the farm. After that, riders register and book through the online portal linked from the website.
As listed on the rates page, therapeutic and adapted riding is $70 per 30-minute private lesson, and traditional and para dressage private lessons start at $85 per 30 minutes. Call 703-574-0511 with questions about current rates.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with therapeutic riding lessons, horse care and special events. No previous horse experience is needed, and the farm provides training. To get started, email wheatlandfarmsecretary@gmail.com.
Location
Wheatland Equestrian is at Belle Grey Farm, 21440 Belle Grey Lane, Upperville, VA 20184. It welcomes students from Northern Virginia, Maryland and the DC area.
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 start therapeutic riding at Wheatland Equestrian?
Book a free riding assessment through the registration link on the website. It is a 15-minute evaluation with an instructor at the farm to find each rider's readiness and level.
How much do therapeutic riding lessons cost?
The rates page lists therapeutic and adapted riding at $70 per 30-minute private lesson. Call 703-574-0511 to confirm current rates.
Who can ride in the program?
Therapeutic riding serves riders with developmental delays, physical impairments, learning disabilities, anxiety disorders and more. Students include children, teens and adults.
Where are lessons held?
All programs are held at Belle Grey Farm, 21440 Belle Grey Lane, Upperville, VA 20184.
Location
Upperville, Virginia 20184
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.