Hearts Therapeutic Riding
Leander, Texas
Hearts Therapeutic Riding is a riding center in Leander, Texas, about 10 minutes from downtown Cedar Park, according to its website. It lists therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs and for people recovering from trauma, plus Western Pleasure and English lessons for riders of all ages. It shares its address and founder with Hopeful Hearts Therapeutic Riding, the program that Equine Rehabilitation Central Texas (ERCT), a 501(c)(3) horse rescue, started in 2014.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Ground-based horse activities
- Western Pleasure and English riding lessons
- Scholarships
- Events and private parties
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- People recovering from trauma
- Veterans
- Riders of all ages taking general lessons
More about this center
About the Program
The center's website says lessons take place both on horseback and on the ground, led by PATH-certified instructors with help from volunteers. Each session has four stages: Meet & Connect, Mount & Settle In, Ride with Purpose, and Cool Down & Celebrate.
According to Community Impact Newspaper (2014), Lisa Rivers, who worked as a special education teacher, started ERCT in 2012 to help abused and neglected horses. Some rescued horses went on to serve in the riding program, and others were adopted out.
The Horses and Staff
The staff page lists founder Lisa Rivers, owner and PATH-certified trainer Lauren Tips, and volunteer coordinator Taylor Buchel, who is working toward PATH certification. Instructor certification is different from PATH Intl. center accreditation, which the site does not claim. Our PATH Intl. guide explains the difference.
Scholarships and Volunteering
The Hearts Scholarship Program is funded by ERCT, the website says. Families who need help with the cost can apply, and it also accepts applications from adults with special needs, veterans and people dealing with trauma. Awards may cover mounted lessons or ground-based sessions.
An ERCT listing on GiveGab asks for volunteer sidewalkers and horse handlers and says new volunteer orientations are held monthly.
Location
The center is at 17000 Trails End Cove, Leander, Texas 78641, about 10 minutes from downtown Cedar Park, according to its website.
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 get started?
Call (737) 975-4104 or email heartsthr@gmail.com. The website says your trainer will tell you which enrollment, cancellation and medical forms you need, so you do not need to fill them out ahead of time.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on its website, a single private lesson is $85, and a weekly lesson plan is $80 per lesson, billed monthly. Call to confirm current rates and to ask about scholarships.
When are lessons held?
Weekly plans usually include four lessons a month, or five in longer months. Call or email to ask about openings.
Location
Leander, Texas 78641
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.