Helping Horse Therapeutic Riding Program, Inc.
Wendell, North Carolina
Helping Horse is a nonprofit therapeutic riding program in Wendell, North Carolina, that has offered riding lessons to people with special needs since 1989. It serves children and adults ages 4 and up, and also runs a free unmounted horsemanship and wellness program for first responders, veterans and their families.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Group and private lessons
- First Responders and Veterans (FRV) Program
- Unmounted horsemanship and wellness sessions
- Family sessions for first responders and veterans
- Volunteer training
- Children and adults ages 4 and up
- People with physical, mental and emotional special needs
- Autism spectrum, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury and stroke
- ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD and sensory processing disorder
- Genetic developmental disorders
- First responders
- Veterans
- Families of first responders and veterans
More about this center
About the Program
Lessons combine riding skills with games and activities to build strength and balance. Each new rider has an evaluation ride, and staff then match the rider with a horse, class and instructor. Height and weight decide which horses can safely carry the rider, and balance, walking ability and communication decide how many volunteers each rider needs.
Riders enroll for a 30-week season. Fall and spring sessions run September through May with a winter break, and a summer session runs June through August. Lessons are held every day except Friday, with day, evening and weekend times. New students may join mid-season when space allows.
First Responders and Veterans
The FRV Program is an introduction to horsemanship and wellness built around a relationship with a horse, and the center says it is not therapy. Individuals receive up to 8 hours of private sessions with a horse they choose, and families can attend up to three 2-hour sessions. Sessions are unmounted and include groundwork such as grooming, leading and working with horses at liberty, along with mindfulness and relaxation practice. No horse experience is needed. See also equine therapy for veterans.
The program is free to participants and is funded by donations. Participants are referred through partner organizations, which include the Durham VA Health Care System and local law enforcement, fire and EMS departments. Jackie Shapaker is the program coordinator.
The Horses and Staff
The Horses page lists nine horses, all between 12 and 16 hands. Owners loan the horses to the program on a free lease. Jackie Saxton is the executive director and Audrey Ganitopoulos is the program manager.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as side walkers and horse leaders, and help with feeding, farm maintenance, events and fundraising. Side walkers and horse leaders must be 18, though staff may evaluate volunteers ages 14 to 17, and horse leaders need current horse experience. All volunteers attend a new volunteer orientation on the farm. To start, email volunteer@helpinghorse.org.
Location
Helping Horse is at 5104 Riley Hill Rd, Wendell, NC 27591, in eastern Wake County east of Raleigh. Mail, including tuition checks, goes to PO Box 99609, Raleigh, NC 27624.
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?
Complete the New Student Application on the Helping Horse website. The center then schedules an evaluation ride.
What ages does Helping Horse serve?
The riding program serves children and adults ages 4 and up.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (919) 816-2103 or email Execdirector@helpinghorse.org to ask about current tuition. The First Responders and Veterans Program is free to participants.
How do first responders and veterans join the FRV Program?
Participants are referred through a partner organization, such as the Durham VA Health Care System or a local law enforcement, fire or EMS department. Program coordinator Jackie Shapaker can explain the process.
Location
Wendell, North Carolina 27591
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.