Hope & Healing Therapeutic Riding
Bowman, North Dakota
Hope and Healing Therapeutic Riding (HHTR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit near Bowman, North Dakota. It offers therapeutic riding lessons and Horse Powered Reading sessions for children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional, educational and behavioral disabilities, as well as at-risk youth.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Horse Powered Reading sessions
- Children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities
- Children and adults with educational or behavioral disabilities
- At-risk youth
- Abused and neglected children
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, HHTR's mission is to improve quality of life for people with disabilities through equine-assisted activities and therapies. Lessons are led by a PATH Intl. certified instructor. The program was founded by Robyn Mrnak, Jackie Freitag and Kristi Blaser, and received its federal 501(c)(3) tax exemption in 2014.
Families new to riding programs may find our guide to therapeutic riding helpful.
The Horses and Staff
Robyn Mrnak is the instructor and program director. The website says she completed PATH Intl. riding instructor certification in 2015, is also certified in Horse Powered Reading and EAGALA, and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology. Ken Dobitz is president of the volunteer board of directors.
The website says every horse goes through a 30-day trial period before joining the program.
Getting Started
Lessons run in seasonal sessions, and staff work with each family to find a time slot, though slots are limited. New and returning riders fill out a client form, which is posted on the program's website. A physician's statement is needed only if the rider has a disability that could be a contraindication to riding. Forms are due one week before the first lesson.
As listed on the client form, therapeutic riding and Horse Powered Reading sessions cost $350 each, due by the first class unless other arrangements are made. Payment can be split into two installments with prior approval, and some riders take part on full scholarships. Our guide on how to choose a center lists useful questions to ask.
Location
Lessons take place about 3 miles south of Bowman, just off Highway 85, at 8904 146th Ave SW, Bowman, ND. The mailing address is PO Box 185, Bowman, ND 58623.
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?
Download the client form from the program's website or call Robyn Mrnak at 701-523-6407 or email hopehealingtr@outlook.com to ask about the next session and open time slots.
How much do lessons cost?
The client form lists $350 per session for therapeutic riding or Horse Powered Reading. Payment in two installments can be arranged in advance, and some riders take part on scholarships.
Is a doctor's form required?
Only if the rider has a disability that could be a contraindication to riding. In that case, a physician's statement is due with the application one week before the first lesson.
Location
Bowman, North Dakota 58623
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.