EQUU8 Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding
Murrieta, California
EQUU8 Horsemanship and Therapeutic Riding (pronounced "equate") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit riding program in Murrieta, California. Its website lists therapeutic riding and horse riding lessons in Murrieta. GuideStar says the therapeutic riding program serves children and adults with special needs and their families.
- Therapeutic riding
- Horse riding lessons
- Individual riding sessions
- Group riding sessions
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with spina bifida
- People with physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral or intellectual needs
- Families of riders
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, EQUU8 was founded in 2013 and is "dedicated to providing equal opportunities to enrich lives through equine-assisted activities." The site says donations and sponsorships keep costs down for participants, many of whom already face financial burdens, and allow it to accept all who can benefit.
Its GuideStar profile says sessions are designed around each participant's needs and goals, are offered one-on-one or in groups, and are planned with parents, caregivers, volunteers, educators and health professionals. GuideStar says the Murrieta site mainly serves families and riders with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and intellectual needs.
History
EQUU8 also ran a therapeutic riding and horsemanship program in Big Bear, which its website says is currently closed due to COVID losses. The Murrieta program continues, and ProPublica shows the organization filed a Form 990-EZ for fiscal year 2024 in May 2025. GuideStar lists Suzanne Hodges as executive director.
Location
Equine directory listings give EQUU8's address as 42360 Fig Street, Murrieta, CA 92562. GuideStar lists the Murrieta program's service area as Murrieta, Temecula, Lake Elsinore, Winchester, Fallbrook, Vista, Oceanside and other places within about an hour's drive.
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 in therapeutic riding at EQUU8?
Call EQUU8 at (951) 445-2279 to ask about openings and the intake process. For questions to ask on a first visit, see our guide on how to choose a center.
How much do sessions cost?
Its website says donor support helps keep participant costs down, so ask about fees and any assistance when you call (951) 445-2279.
Is the Big Bear program still running?
No. EQUU8's website says its Big Bear therapeutic riding and horsemanship program is currently closed due to COVID losses. Its website lists riding lessons and therapeutic riding in Murrieta.
Location
Murrieta, California 92562
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.