Windridge Therapeutic Equestrian Center of East Texas, Inc.

About the Program

Windridge says it was founded in 1988 by Margo Dewkett, a former racehorse jockey and trainer, and held its first sessions on March 6, 1989, with five horses, five volunteers and two clients. Classes moved into a 38,000 square foot facility in January 2002.

Its therapeutic riding program, according to its website, builds horsemanship skills that support independent daily living, with participants working alongside peers, volunteers and instructors. Hippotherapy is offered with Kidz First Therapy, whose physical, occupational and speech-language therapists use the horse's movement as a treatment tool, supported by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Equines in Service for Heroes serves military and law enforcement personnel with physical disabilities or mental health diagnoses.

Getting Started

For hippotherapy, the website says new clients first have a physical therapy evaluation to confirm medical eligibility and safety, and need a physician's release and order for physical therapy. For other programs, the center asks families to call the office at (903) 797-2414 or email Windridgetx@aol.com.

Volunteering

Windridge welcomes adult and teen volunteers and says no experience with horses or with people with disabilities is needed, since instructors teach the skills required.

Location

The center is at 593 Windridge Road, Gilmer, TX 75645, in the piney woods of East Texas, about 20 minutes from north Loop 281 in Longview. Mail goes to P.O. Box 680, Diana, TX 75640, not to the physical address. The website lists office hours of Tuesday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.