The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC)
Laplace, Louisiana
The Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center (GNOTRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in LaPlace, Louisiana, that offers horse-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. Its main program is weekly therapeutic riding classes, and its website says it has been operating since 1993.
- Therapeutic riding classes (up to 50 minutes)
- Year-round lessons in a covered arena
- Goat yoga fundraiser classes
- Volunteer program
- Community fundraising events
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders with cerebral palsy
- Riders with autism
- Riders with multiple sclerosis
- Stroke survivors
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, GNOTRC is a PATH Int'l affiliate member operating center with seven therapy horses and a group of small animals. Riders usually come once a week, and classes can run up to 50 minutes. Safety helmets are required and provided by the center.
The center says riding can benefit people with just about any disability, listing examples such as cerebral palsy, autism, multiple sclerosis and stroke. The site does not list hippotherapy or other licensed therapy services.
Goat yoga classes run by Screaming Kids Goat Yoga are held at the farm and support the center; no current dates were posted when checked.
History
A 2022 L'Observateur article reported that founder Anita Hefler opened the center in October 1993 with two horses and three riders. By its 30th year it served more than 40 riders a month. The article said a covered arena allows year-round lessons, and that Hurricane Ida closed the center for three months before classes resumed in November 2021.
The center's horses are all donated, and it keeps horses after they can no longer work as therapy horses, according to its website.
Volunteering
Volunteers lead horses and walk alongside riders. They must be at least 13 to help with classes, and younger volunteers can help with barn chores. A registration and release form is posted on the website.
Location
GNOTRC is located at 152 Shadowbrook Lane in LaPlace, Louisiana. The website says farm directions are sent by email in an introduction letter.
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?
The Riders page posts a letter of introduction and a waiver, medical consent and release form. Email admin@gnotrc.org to request the introduction letter with directions and class times.
How much do classes cost?
The website lists classes at $35 per class, as listed. See our guide to equine therapy costs for comparison.
When are classes held?
The website lists classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Call 985-651-5239 or 504-466-9960 for class status.
Are there age limits for riders?
The website does not state an age range. A 2022 news report said riders over the years have ranged from under 1 year old to 83.
Location
Laplace, Louisiana 70068
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.