Heroes on Horseback
Bluffton, South Carolina
Heroes on Horseback is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic riding program in Bluffton, South Carolina, serving the Lowcountry, and a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. It offers therapeutic riding, a six-week program for military members and emergency responders, Special Olympics riding and unmounted equine-assisted learning. Riders range from young children to seniors, including adults with disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Military and emergency responders program
- Special Olympics riding program
- Unmounted equine-assisted learning
- Vocational training in horse management
- Children
- Teens and tweens
- Adults with disabilities
- Seniors
- Veterans and active military
- Emergency responders
- Special Olympics athletes
More about this center
About the Program
Heroes on Horseback began in 2000 and has used several locations around the Lowcountry. It is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, and each therapeutic riding lesson is led by a PATH certified instructor. Classes include up to an hour of instruction focused on balance, coordination, muscle tone and independence, and the program encourages input from a rider's own licensed therapist when possible.
The Special Olympics riding program, sponsored by South Carolina Special Olympics and administered locally by SOAR Special Recreation of the Lowcountry, is a modified form of therapeutic riding for area school students, held during the school day. It is geared toward possible competition at regional, state, national and international events. For people who cannot or prefer not to ride, the unmounted program offers ground work in a weekly lesson or clinic format and can build skills used in horse management.
Military and Emergency Responders
This program is open to active duty, honorably discharged and retired members of the Armed Services, and to emergency responders. It runs in six-week sessions of ground and/or mounted activities, and participants are asked to commit to the full six weeks. Applications are made through an online form on the website. See also equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
Robert "Bob" Lee is the executive director. Laura Kinsey, a PATH certified riding instructor and former veterinary technician, is a program director, and Kate Cody is also a PATH certified instructor. Janet Dishart serves as program director and volunteer coordinator, and Katie Sears is the equestrian director.
Volunteers must be at least 14. New volunteers fill out a volunteer information form and attend an orientation, then help as sidewalkers, horse leaders and arena assistants, care for horses and equipment, or assist with office work and events.
Location
Heroes on Horseback is at 95 Stillwell Rd. in Bluffton, SC 29910, about 0.4 miles from the intersection with May River Road (Highway 46). Look for the white fencing and entry gate on the left. The farm is not open to the public, so visits are by appointment. The mailing address is PO Box 3678, Bluffton, SC 29910.
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 sign up for therapeutic riding?
An instructor evaluates each new rider before registration forms are submitted. New riders use the participant registration form on the website, and returning riders who completed paperwork within the past year use the continuing registration form.
How much do lessons cost?
The website lists tuition of $375 per student for a six-lesson session, after a $400 subsidy every rider receives toward the $750 cost. Tuition assistance is available with a new form for each session, and the program says qualified riders should not be kept from riding because of cost.
How do I contact Heroes on Horseback?
Call (843) 757-5607 or email info@heroesonhorseback.org. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location
Bluffton, South Carolina 29910
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.