Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center
Oxford, Michigan
Banbury Cross Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Banbury Cross TEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Oxford, Michigan. It offers therapeutic riding lessons led by trained therapeutic riding instructors for children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional or social disabilities.
- Therapeutic horseback riding lessons
- Small group lessons (typically no more than four riders)
- Private lessons with Executive Director approval
- Trail rides and a sensory trail on the property
- Indoor and outdoor arenas
- Children and adults over age 3
- Riders with a diagnosed physical, cognitive, emotional or social disability
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, lessons are tailored for recreational, educational and therapeutic purposes, with individualized goals aimed at fostering independence. Group classes typically have no more than four riders. Private lessons are reserved for advanced students or those who need personalized attention.
The center sits on a 20-acre farm with indoor and outdoor arenas, trail rides and a sensory trail. Its website says the indoor arena is used in winter and has cooling fans for summer.
History
The center says Ralph and Carol Curtis laid its foundation in 1991. Its history page also describes partnerships with special education programs in Oxford, Lake Orion and Lapeer Community Schools, free respite riding for veterans through the Wounded Warrior Project, and equine-assisted psychotherapy with Lapeer County Mental Health. The website describes Banbury Cross as a member of PATH International.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, attend an orientation and be able to walk for up to three hours with minimal breaks. New volunteers complete an online module and an application first. Sidewalkers walk beside riders in the arena.
Location
Banbury Cross is at 1223 Brauer Road, Oxford, Michigan 48371. Phone 248-628-7433 or email info@banburycrossriding.org.
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 enroll a new rider?
Review the eligibility and policies on the center's New Rider Enrollment page, complete the posted rider paperwork (liability form, application and physician statement), and email it to the address listed there. Every new rider is assessed by a Banbury Cross riding instructor before enrolling.
What are the rider requirements?
The center lists that riders must be over 3 years old, have a diagnosed disability, weigh no more than 180 pounds and be able to attend an initial evaluation. A physician statement is required, and riders with Down syndrome need a negative atlantoaxial X-ray.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. The center says current riders get first priority, and new riders are put on a waiting list and notified when an opening becomes available.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 248-628-7433 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Oxford, Michigan 48371
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.