Gentle Strides Therapeutic Riding
Santa Paula, California
Gentle Strides Therapeutic Riding is an owner-operated riding program at Aliso Ranch Stables in Santa Paula, California, just outside Ventura. It offers one-on-one therapeutic riding lessons for riders with special needs, with a focus on autism and other developmental disabilities, along with private riding lessons for able-bodied riders.
- Private therapeutic riding lessons
- Weekly private riding lessons
- Drop-in riding lessons
- Arena and trail riding
- Gift certificates
- Riders with autism
- Riders with developmental disabilities
- Riders with other special needs
- Able-bodied riders
- Children and adults
More about this center
About the Program
All lessons are taught one on one. The founder says she takes time to slow down and meet each rider where they are. Lessons use time with the horse as physical and mental therapy while building a strong riding foundation.
Lessons take place in the arena or out on the trail at Aliso Ranch, a 7,000-acre working cattle ranch.
The Horses and Staff
The program was founded by Amanda, who earned a BA in psychology at CSU Channel Islands in Camarillo and volunteered with therapeutic horsemanship programs while studying. She worked for three years with Hall of Fame cutter Scott Weis in Ojai, trained with Richard Winters, and earned her PATH Intl. certification as a riding instructor before starting Gentle Strides.
The lesson horses are Charlie, Cowboy, Emmett and Jessie.
Lesson Rates and What to Bring
Private therapeutic riding lessons are $70. Weekly private lessons are $75 each, paid monthly, and drop-in lessons are $85. Lessons canceled or rescheduled with less than 24 hours' notice are charged. For more on typical pricing, see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Helmets are provided, though riders may bring their own. Riders should wear closed-toe shoes (boots with a heel are best) and bring water and sunscreen.
Location
Gentle Strides is based at Aliso Ranch Stables, 4215 Aliso Canyon Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060, a working cattle ranch just outside the Ventura city limits in Ventura County.
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 book a lesson?
Call 805-794-5686, email gentlestrides@hotmail.com, or use the contact form on the Gentle Strides website.
How much do lessons cost?
Private therapeutic riding lessons are $70, weekly private lessons are $75 each (paid monthly), and drop-in lessons are $85. Gift certificates are available.
Who are the lessons for?
The program specializes in riders with autism and other developmental disabilities and also teaches able-bodied riders. All lessons are private.
What is the cancellation policy?
Gentle Strides asks for 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Lessons canceled with less notice are charged.
Location
Santa Paula, California 93060
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.