The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center (The Shea Center)
San Juan Capistrano, California
The J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center, known as The Shea Center, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in San Juan Capistrano, California, established in 1978. It offers hippotherapy delivered by licensed physical, occupational and speech therapists, adaptive riding, psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. According to its website, it serves participants from age 2 with physical, emotional, social and cognitive challenges, along with veterans, active-duty service members and seniors.
- Hippotherapy (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
- Clinic-based PT, OT and speech therapy
- Equine-assisted and clinic psychotherapy
- Adaptive riding and horsemanship
- Equine-assisted learning and personal development
- Military and veteran programs
- Senior tours and field trips
- Summer horse camp
- Children from age 2 (hippotherapy)
- Riders from age 4, with no maximum age
- People with physical, emotional, social and cognitive challenges
- Veterans and active-duty service members, including those with PTSD or TBI
- Families and couples of service members, through family reunification and couples groups
- Adults 55+ through senior organizations and living facilities
More about this center
About the Program
The center says it is accredited at the highest level by PATH Intl. and lists staff that include American Hippotherapy Certification Board specialists and PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Its website reports working with 30 horses and more than 750 volunteers to serve over 1,200 participants a year.
Sessions run individually, semi-privately or in small groups. The military program lists family reunification, equine facilitated psychotherapy, couples groups, adaptive riding, drill teams and support groups.
Getting Started
Riders need signed physician release forms, and each new client is evaluated by a licensed therapist before an individual plan is set. Enrollment begins with an online inquiry form linked from the center's programs page. The year runs in five sessions: 10 to 11 weeks in winter, spring and fall, and 5 to 10 weeks in summer.
Location
The Shea Center is at 26284 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, in south Orange County. Senior tours and field trips are by appointment on Wednesdays or Fridays.
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 much does it cost?
As listed on its website: a $100 screening fee, $150 per PT/OT/speech or private psychotherapy treatment, and adaptive riding at $60 (unmounted group), $75 (semi-private) or $90 (private) per lesson, billed by session. Financial aid may be available, and military and first responder discounts are offered. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Does it take insurance?
The center says it does not bill insurance directly, but some medical plans may cover fees.
What ages can take part?
Hippotherapy starts at age 2 and riding classes at age 4. The center says there is no maximum age as long as the rider has no medical contraindications.
How do I contact the center?
Call (949) 240-8441 or email info@sheacenter.org.
Location
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
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.