Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Santa Barbara, California
Hearts Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit in Santa Barbara, California, that has provided equine-assisted services since 1985. It offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities, a free program for US veterans, and youth horse programs. Its website says it was accredited by PATH Intl. in 1999.
- Therapeutic (adaptive) riding
- Equine Services for Heroes (veterans program)
- Pony Pals youth horse care program
- Summer Camp Horse Experience (ages 6-10)
- Volunteer training and opportunities
- Children and adults with neurologic, orthopedic, developmental or acquired disabilities
- People with sensory and mental health issues
- US veterans
- Children and youth
More about this center
About the Program
Hearts says its therapeutic riding program serves people with neurologic, orthopedic, developmental or acquired disabilities, as well as sensory and mental health issues. Riders must be at least six years old, are evaluated for eligibility before starting, and enroll on an annual basis. Tuition covers 45 weekly lessons and is pro-rated.
Equine Services for Heroes is a weekly program for US veterans that combines horse care, natural horsemanship, riding lessons for novice and skilled riders, and volunteering. The website says it is free for veterans because its full cost is underwritten.
Pony Pals meets Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. and teaches children horse care along with life skills such as communication and self-regulation. The summer camp for ages 6 to 10 is a horse and ranch program separate from therapeutic riding.
History and Facility
Founded in 1985, Hearts says it moved to a new facility in 2021. A January 2022 local news report says the new facility sits next to the prior one at 4420 Calle Real and describes a main arena, a second smaller arena, a round pen, 20 covered stalls, turnouts and a Learning Center.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with lessons, barn crew, summer camp and the Tack Shack. Hearts asks for a weekly two- or four-hour shift and provides role-specific training.
Location
Hearts is at 4420 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (mailing address PO Box 30226, Santa Barbara, CA 93130). Facility hours are Tuesday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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.
Is Hearts accepting new therapeutic riding students?
As of October 2026, its therapeutic riding page still says new inquiries are on hold because of the length of its waitlist, and it gave August 2026 as the expected reopening. We could not confirm whether intake has reopened, so call (805) 964-1519 to check current status.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
Tuition covers 45 weekly lessons and is pro-rated. Call (805) 964-1519 for current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do veterans apply to Equine Services for Heroes?
Call 805-364-5206 or email info@heartsriding.org. The program is free for US veterans.
Location
Santa Barbara, California 93111
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.