Athelas Therapeutic Riding Inc.
Otego, New York
Athelas Therapeutic Riding Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that runs a year-round therapeutic riding program at Northfield Farm in Otego, in Otsego County, New York. According to its website, it serves children and adults with physical, mental and emotional challenges, and riders of all ages and physical abilities.
- Individualized therapeutic riding lessons, year-round
- JoAnn Currie Scholarship to help with session costs
- Volunteer opportunities (horse care, leading, side-walking, events)
- Horse sponsorship and donation programs
- Children with physical, mental or emotional special needs
- Adults with physical, mental or emotional special needs
- Riders of all ages and physical abilities
More about this center
About the Program
The instructors page says Anneliese Gilchrest founded Athelas in 2007. She is the program manager and head instructor, holds a BA in Therapeutic Horsemanship from St. Andrews in North Carolina, and is listed as a PATH Certified Instructor. Linda Rynkiewicz, who holds a master's in special education and has over 20 years of public school teaching experience, also teaches adaptive riding lessons.
Instructors plan each lesson around the rider's needs, using games, riding skills and techniques that also build everyday life skills. Riders must wear an ASTM-SEI approved riding helmet, which Athelas provides, along with long pants and closed-toe shoes.
The Horses
The website lists a small herd: Dart, a Percheron/Thoroughbred cross and the program's biggest therapy horse; Pistol, a Quarter Horse well into his twenties and the oldest in the herd; Misty, a Haflinger and the shortest horse, strong enough to carry heavier riders who need extra trunk support; and Flynn, the newest therapy horse.
Getting Started
Families download the participant application packet from the How to Enroll page. It includes a medical history form, release, new rider screening policy, payment form and other paperwork. Completed packets can be emailed to athelasriding@gmail.com or mailed, and processing can take one to two weeks before the program gets in touch. Athelas does not currently accept insurance. Scholarships are available, and families can apply once a year for the JoAnn Currie Scholarship to help with the cost of some sessions.
Volunteers do not need horse experience. The volunteer packet is on the website and is returned by email.
Location
Athelas is located at Northfield Farm, 1179 County Highway 5, Otego, NY 13825, in Otsego County. The website asks that visitors come by appointment only.
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?
Complete the participant application packet from the website and email it to athelasriding@gmail.com or send it by mail. The program will contact you once it is processed, which may take one to two weeks.
Is there an age requirement?
The website says there is no age range, and eligibility is based on each rider's individual needs.
How much do lessons cost, and is insurance accepted?
Athelas does not currently accept insurance. Call (607) 287-2468 or email athelasriding@gmail.com for current rates, and ask about the JoAnn Currie Scholarship.
What is the cancellation policy?
The FAQ asks for at least 5 hours' notice to cancel. Riders who arrive 15 or more minutes late forfeit the lesson, and the full lesson cost is charged for missed or forfeited lessons.
Location
Otego, New York 13825
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.