Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center
West, Texas
Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on East White Oak Road in West, Texas. It offers therapeutic riding and other horse-based activities for children and adults with disabilities, and its charity profile says it also serves veterans, including Wounded Warriors.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted activities
- Horsemanship skills
- Massage therapy (per charity profile)
- Companion dogs for some clients (per charity profile)
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Veterans, including Wounded Warriors
- People with physical, emotional, behavioral or social needs
More about this center
About the Program
According to its charity profile, the founders started the center in 2000. Their daughter had a brain tumor at age 11 and loved horses, and rather than let her two horses sit in a pasture, the family discovered therapeutic riding and went on to open their own center. The founders describe the work as "a ministry - not a business." IRS records show its tax exemption was issued in 2001.
The National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD) directory says the center uses horse-based activities to support children and adults with physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, social or spiritual needs, and that it works with PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors to teach horsemanship skills. That refers to instructor certification, not center accreditation. Read more about PATH Intl. standards.
The Horses and Staff
The charity profile says two mares born and raised on the property are part of the program, and that the center has provided companion dogs to clients with a need. It also notes that one client wrote a book, Hoofprints and Tire Tracks, about her riding experiences and how horses have helped her.
Location
The center is at 848 E White Oak Rd, West, Texas 76691. Call (254) 717-7017 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 enroll a rider?
Call (254) 717-7017 to ask about openings, any waitlist and required forms.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (254) 717-7017 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs for typical ranges.
Does the center work with veterans?
Yes. Its charity profile says it serves Wounded Warriors and other veterans with disabilities.
Is it a nonprofit?
Yes. IRS records list Heart of Texas Therapeutic Riding Center Inc as a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN 74-2964587), so donations are generally tax deductible.
Location
West, Texas 76691
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.