Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program
Wilmington, North Carolina
Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program is a nonprofit at Russell's Reach Farm on Sidbury Road in Wilmington, North Carolina. It offers therapeutic riding and hippotherapy for children and adults with special needs, along with programs for at-risk youth and adapted riding for military personnel.
- Therapeutic and recreational riding lessons
- Hippotherapy with licensed occupational and speech therapists
- Programs for at-risk youth
- Adapted riding for active and retired military
- Volunteer program
- Children and adults with special needs, ages 4 and up
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with Down syndrome
- At-risk youth
- Active and retired military personnel
More about this center
About the Program
Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program was founded in 1999 to provide equine assisted activities and therapies for people with special needs. Its website says all of its instructors are PATH Intl. certified.
Riding lessons are open to children and adults with special needs, ages 4 and up, and the program says no particular diagnosis is required. Lessons are taught in groups of two or three riders with an instructor and volunteers. Each lesson lasts an hour, with about 45 minutes in the saddle, and can include games in a sensory grove and trail rides when the weather allows.
The program offers hippotherapy in collaboration with licensed occupational and speech therapists. Occupational therapist Jennifer Davis, a hippotherapy clinical specialist, uses the horse's movement for sensory regulation, calming and focus.
Getting Started
Enrollment begins with a rider registration, followed by a phone interview, a meet and greet, physician paperwork, scheduling and a rider goals questionnaire. Lessons run on weekday mornings and afternoons and on Saturday mornings. The program asks for 24 hours' notice of an absence, and popular times may have a waiting list.
Youth and Veteran Riding
The program works with community organizations serving at-risk youth, including the Elements Youth Violence Intervention Program run through the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office. Elements participants come to the farm one day a week to do chores and help with projects.
The Farm and Staff
Kim Niggel is the executive director. She is a lifelong equestrian and a play therapist by career. The farm is named for her grandparents, Bob and Jane Russell. Therapy horses are chosen for the temperament and training needed around riders who may yell or clap. The farm also keeps sheep, goats, pigs and miniature horses. After lessons, riders can feed the koi in the farm's large pond from horseback.
The program's biggest fundraiser is Run for the Roses, a Kentucky Derby party held each spring at the farm.
Location
The program is based at Russell's Reach Farm, 8120 Sidbury Rd., Wilmington, NC 28411. The 23-acre farm has a 12-stall barn, three riding rings including a covered all-weather arena, and cleared trails. The program serves Wilmington and New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
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 a rider?
Start with the rider registration; the program then follows up with a phone interview and a meet and greet. Email ctrpwilmington@gmail.com to ask about openings, since popular lesson times may have a waiting list.
Is help with the cost available?
Therapeutic riding is not covered by insurance. A deposit holds a rider's spot, and payment plans are available. Scholarships are sometimes available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
How old do volunteers need to be?
Volunteers must be 13 or older and attend an orientation, and training is provided. They walk beside riders, help with games and give physical support, with sessions six days a week.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina 28411
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.