Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Petaluma, California
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at Sonoma Horse Park in Petaluma, California. It offers adaptive riding, unmounted lessons with horses and tailored group experiences for children and adults with disabilities and other challenges. The center says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Unmounted lessons with horses
- Tailored half- to full-day experiences for community partners
- Weekly lessons in four terms per year
- Scholarships for qualifying applicants
- Children and adults (minimum age four)
- People with physical disabilities
- People with developmental and cognitive disabilities
- People with behavioral and emotional challenges
- Veterans and military members
- At-risk youth
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Giant Steps has used horses in its programs since 1998. The site says founders Robert Pope and Lee Justice brought their 12 horses to the Bay Area and began in 1996 with 10 riders and 19 volunteers. It now says it can serve over 130 clients per week, with riders representing more than 60 distinct disabilities and challenges, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, stroke and TBI, and PTSD.
Therapeutic riding lessons, called adaptive riding here, are taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors and focus on riding and horsemanship skills. Unmounted lessons use activities with horses to work on character development, confidence and life skills, with goals set for each client. The site does not list hippotherapy.
Getting Started
New clients complete an online enrollment form, then have a physician complete and return a medical release. After that, staff schedule an assessment to decide class type, horse and equipment, volunteer needs and goals before placing the rider in a class.
Lessons run once a week across four terms a year, with tuition paid at the start of each term. Scholarships are considered case by case.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14 to help in classes and are asked to commit to one consistent class per week. No horse experience is needed, and new volunteers attend an orientation. Contact volunteer@giantstepsriding.org.
Location
Giant Steps is at Sonoma Horse Park, 7600 Lakeville Highway, Petaluma, CA 94954. The center says its facilities are ADA compliant.
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 new rider?
Complete the online enrollment form on the Giant Steps website, return the physician's release form, and then schedule an assessment. Classes are assigned after the assessment.
Is there a minimum age?
The center lists a minimum age of four and serves both children and adults.
How much do lessons cost?
Tuition is paid per term, and scholarships are available for those who qualify. Call (707) 769-8900 for current rates.
Who do I contact with questions?
Call the office at (707) 769-8900 or email info@giantstepsriding.org. The program director can be reached at 707-781-9455.
Location
Petaluma, California 94954
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.