StableStrides
Elbert, Colorado
StableStrides is a nonprofit equine therapy center based in Elbert, Colorado, formerly known as Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center. Its website lists adaptive riding, ground-based mental health therapy, hippotherapy through partner hospitals, and coaching for military members, veterans and first responders.
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding
- Equine-assisted mental health therapy (Eagala Model, on the ground)
- Hippotherapy with licensed PT, OT and speech therapists from partner hospitals
- Equine-facilitated coaching for military, veterans and first responders
- Youth programs and summer leadership camp
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Children as young as 2 (hippotherapy)
- Active duty service members, veterans and families
- First responders
- Children and teens
- People affected by trauma, anxiety, depression or PTSD
More about this center
About the Program
StableStrides says a PATH Intl. certified instructor leads every adaptive riding lesson, with a horse leader and sidewalkers as needed. Most lessons are small groups of two or three riders, and riders must be at least 4 years old. Learn more about therapeutic riding.
Its mental health team pairs licensed therapists with PATH Intl. certified equine specialists and offers the Eagala Model. All of this work is done on the ground, with no riding.
Hippotherapy is led by licensed physical, occupational or speech therapists from the center's hospital partners, and the website says it is available only to patients of those partners.
History and Recent News
According to The Gazette, the group was incorporated in 1982 as Acts 19:11 and later operated as Pikes Peak Therapeutic Riding Center. In January 2026 the paper reported a funding shortfall, staff furloughs and possible costs of moving from its Elbert site. KRDO reported in February 2026 that a Medicaid waiver change had cut off billing for some therapy services. KOAA later reported that the family of board president David Abbott pledged to cover horse care and staff costs for a year so the nonprofit could keep operating.
Location
The StableStrides website lists its address as 13620 Halleluiah Trail, Elbert, CO 80106, with office hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Early 2026 news coverage mentioned a potential move, so call (719) 495-3908 to confirm current programs and where sessions are held before visiting.
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 get started?
For adaptive riding or mental health services, the website asks you to fill out its client inquiry form, and staff will call you. For hippotherapy, children are referred through Children's Hospital Colorado and adults through the center's adult hospital partner.
Is there a waiting list?
The Gazette reported in January 2026 that about 140 people were on the waiting list. Call (719) 495-3908 for current availability.
How much does it cost?
Fees for riding and therapy are not published; call (719) 495-3908 or email connect@stablestrides.org to ask, including about insurance or Medicaid. The 2026 summer camp was listed at $350 per week. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are there requirements for adaptive riding?
The website says riders must be 4 or older and have signed paperwork, including a Physician's Statement. Its camp criteria also list a weight under 150 pounds and sitting independently without sidewalker support.
Location
Elbert, Colorado 80106
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.