Agape Acres Therapeutic Riding Center
Marana, Arizona
Agape Acres is a faith-based nonprofit adaptive riding center and equine sanctuary in Marana, Arizona, northwest of Tucson. It offers therapeutic (adaptive) riding for people with special needs, a free horse program for veterans, ground school and an equine restoration program, and is a PATH Intl. member center.
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding lessons
- Equine Services for Heroes veterans program
- Ground school
- Equine restoration program
- Private and group riding lessons
- End-of-year riding camp
- Children and adults with special needs
- Active, retired and disabled veterans
- Survivors of trauma
- Beginner and intermediate riders
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons focus on riders with special needs and use adaptive methods to teach riding skills. Students ride in 6-week sessions, five sessions a year, for about 30 weeks of lessons, followed by a 3-day camp at the end of the year. The lead instructor, Janie Nelson, is a PATH Intl. certified instructor.
The veterans program follows PATH Intl.'s Equine Services for Heroes model: an 18-week ground school course held in three 6-week sessions. It is free to active, retired and disabled veterans. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
The center also lists an equine restoration program on its website, with details not yet published. On a limited basis, it teaches beginner and intermediate riders who do not need volunteer support; it does not offer jumping or barrel racing.
The family-run center sits on a 20-acre property with five acres dedicated to the program, and it keeps its therapy horses in a retirement sanctuary once their working years end.
Location
Agape Acres is at 37603 S. Staghorn Ln., Marana, AZ 85658.
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.
Is the veterans program free?
Yes. Equine Services for Heroes is free to certified veterans, whether active, retired or disabled.
How is the adaptive riding year structured?
Riders take five 6-week sessions a year, about 30 weeks of lessons in total, with a 3-day camp at the end of the year.
Can riders without disabilities take lessons?
Yes, on a limited basis. Private and group lessons are open to beginner and intermediate riders who do not need volunteer support. Email agapeacresaz@yahoo.com to ask about openings.
How much do adaptive riding lessons cost?
Call (520) 576-0898 for current rates.
Location
Marana, Arizona 85658
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.