Cloverleaf Equine Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Clifton, Virginia. Formerly known as the Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, the organization provides a wide range of evidence-based equine-assisted services that help individuals of all ages improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. Through therapeutic horseback riding, physical and occupational therapy incorporating horses, equine-assisted learning, and mental health services, Cloverleaf empowers participants to build confidence, resilience, and independence.
Serving children with disabilities, youth from marginalized communities, veterans, recovering military personnel, older adults, and individuals facing mental health challenges, Cloverleaf creates an inclusive environment where horses become partners in healing, learning, and personal growth. All therapeutic riding instructors are PATH International-certified, ensuring participants receive safe, high-quality equine-assisted services.
About This Program
Cloverleaf Equine Center offers comprehensive equine-assisted services that are tailored to each participant’s goals and abilities. Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship helps individuals improve balance, coordination, strength, confidence, and horsemanship skills through structured mounted activities. The center also provides Physical and Occupational Therapy incorporating equine movement, Mental Health & Wellness programs using relationship-based interactions with horses, and Equine-Assisted Learning programs that foster leadership, teamwork, communication, and personal growth.
Additional community programs include inclusive riding lessons, summer camps, workshops, school partnerships, and specialized 12-week programs for recovering military personnel and veterans. These programs combine therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning to support healing, resilience, and successful reintegration.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding and horsemanship
- Physical therapy incorporating horses
- Occupational therapy incorporating horses
- Mental health and wellness programs
- Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Community riding lessons
- Summer therapeutic riding camps
- Horsemanship education
- Leadership and team-building programs
- School and community outreach partnerships
- Veteran and recovering military service member programs
- Volunteer opportunities
- Workshops and educational events
Who They Serve
Cloverleaf Equine Center may be good for:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- Youth from marginalized communities
- Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or trauma
- Older adults experiencing early dementia
- Veterans and recovering military personnel
- Individuals seeking equine-assisted mental health services
- Families looking for adaptive equine programs
Facility and Setting
Cloverleaf Equine Center operates at 12933 Popes Head Road, Clifton, Virginia, on O’Shaughnessy Farm. The facility features a modern indoor riding arena, outdoor riding areas, accessible amenities, and a herd of specially selected therapy horses. The indoor arena enables year-round programming regardless of weather, allowing participants to receive consistent services in a safe and welcoming environment.
The center’s interdisciplinary team includes PATH International-certified therapeutic riding instructors, licensed physical therapists, mental health professionals, equine specialists, and trained volunteers who work together to provide individualized care and support.
What Makes Them Unique
Cloverleaf Equine Center distinguishes itself by offering one of the most comprehensive equine-assisted service programs in Northern Virginia. Rather than focusing solely on therapeutic riding, the organization integrates adaptive horsemanship, physical and occupational therapy, equine-assisted learning, and mental health services to address a broad range of participant needs.
Another defining feature is its commitment to serving diverse populations, including children with disabilities, veterans, recovering military personnel, older adults, and underserved youth. Its PATH International-certified instructors, evidence-based programming, and newly expanded facilities help ensure participants receive safe, effective, and individualized equine-assisted services.