Hoofbeats Therapeutic Riding Center

History

Hoofbeats was founded in 1993 by Carol Branscome, a career horsewoman, and Trish Cunningham, a molecular biologist. The program started on a historic farm in Natural Bridge and opened in the spring of 1994. It moved to a therapeutic riding facility at the Virginia Horse Center in 2007 and later to its current site on Mt. Atlas Road. Its guiding principle since its founding has been "Horses helping people."

The Horses and Staff

Carol Branscome is the executive director and an instructor, and Maria Pennine manages the horse retirement program. The staff page lists the four-legged team as Charlene, Faith, Bonnie, Spirit, Ava, Gabriel, Galilee, Butter and Bunny.

The facility has a mounting ramp, an arena, indoor classroom space and a wooded sensory trail. Hoofbeats has received a Virginia Horse Industry Board grant for equine assisted therapy instructor training.

Getting Started

The center's Forms page has a rider package along with individual forms, including registration, medical history forms for a physician and a therapist, a fee schedule, a confirmation of intent and a scholarship application. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.

Volunteering

Adults and teens 16 and older can volunteer, and horse experience is a bonus but not required. Prospective volunteers contact the office to talk with the program director, and can tour the facility and meet the horses. Jobs range from leading horses, sidewalking and barn chores to photography, ring setup, office work, minor repairs and using skills such as sign language to assist riders. Younger children can ask a parent about the Barn Rats program.

Location

According to its website, Hoofbeats is at 662 Mt. Atlas Road in Lexington, just off Route 11 near Timber Ridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Mail goes to P.O. Box 979, Lexington, VA 24450.