Discovery Riders, Inc.
Bellefontaine, Ohio
Discovery Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit riding center in Bellefontaine, Ohio, that says it has been serving riders for over 20 years. Its main program is equine-assisted therapeutic riding for people with physical, cognitive and social-emotional disabilities, starting at age four. It also runs Special Olympics riding, a veterans program, school group visits, summer camp and riding lessons for the public.
- Equine-assisted (therapeutic) riding
- Special Olympics equestrian training
- Veterans program (ground work and riding)
- Social-emotional learning program for school groups
- Life Skills Volunteer Program
- Summer camp
- Riding lessons for the public
- Children from age 4, teens and adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with social-emotional needs
- Special Olympics athletes
- Veterans
- Classrooms and students
- Volunteers 15 and older (Life Skills program)
More about this center
About the Program
In therapeutic riding, riders learn horsemanship skills, and the center says the horse's movement helps improve balance, coordination and core strength while building self-confidence. New riders begin by scheduling an assessment. Lessons run in multi-week sessions through the year, with a fun show and a holiday open house on the student calendar.
The Special Olympics program is a 16-week course that prepares athletes for the state competition in Cincinnati. The veterans program combines ground activities and riding lessons focused on trust and camaraderie. Teachers can bring classrooms to the barn for a social-emotional learning program built around empathy, responsibility, communication and teamwork.
The Horses and Staff
The center's herd page lists 17 horses and ponies, from miniature ponies to Goliath, its biggest horse at 1,500 pounds. The herd includes Quarter Horses, a Morgan cross, a Haflinger and a Friesian cross, several of them former show, trail, cutting and stockyard horses.
Lindsay Jackson is the executive director and Beth McCaine is the program director. The team also includes several instructors and barn staff, and a volunteer board led by Matt Dolph.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14, and no horse experience is needed. Roles include side-walker, horse leader, barn helper and event volunteer. New volunteers fill out an application, attend an orientation to meet the horses, complete a short training and are asked to keep a regular schedule. Teens and adults 15 and older can join the Life Skills Volunteer Program, where they help with horse care and grooming and support riders during lessons while building work ethic and communication skills.
Location
Discovery Riders is at 1797 Ohio 47, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, in Logan County. Call (937) 935-6545 or email info@discoveryriders.org.
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?
Contact Discovery Riders through its website, by phone at (937) 935-6545 or at info@discoveryriders.org to start an application and schedule an assessment.
What is the minimum age for therapeutic riding?
The therapeutic riding program starts at age four. Summer camp is for children and teens, and lessons for the public are open to all experience levels.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (937) 935-6545 or email info@discoveryriders.org to ask about current rates. The center also invites donors to sponsor riders. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 14, fill out an application and attend an orientation. No horse experience is needed.
Location
Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311
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.