Kids & Horses, Inc.
Minden, Nevada
Kids & Horses is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center in Minden, Nevada, founded in 1999. The center describes itself as a Premier PATH Intl. accredited center. It offers adaptive riding for children and adults with disabilities, a Memory Café for people living with memory loss, and a life skills program for young adults.
- Adaptive riding lessons, including group lessons
- Memory Café with horse interaction
- Memory loss workshops
- Comprehensive Life Skills program
- Summer program for Washoe Tribal Youth
- Stable management skills for some students
- Children and adults ages 2 to 100
- People with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or spina bifida
- People with traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis or stroke
- People with developmental, motor or speech/language delays
- People living with memory loss or dementia
- Young adults with disabilities
- Washoe Tribe youth ages 8 to 21
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, adaptive riding lessons are taught by a certified instructor, last up to 60 minutes and are tailored to each rider's needs. Lessons usually take place weekly, in six-week sessions followed by a two-week break. The center lists benefits such as confidence, social skills, communication, balance, posture, strength and focus.
The Memory Café is for people facing memory loss or a dementia diagnosis, and each café includes time with the center's horses. The Comprehensive Life Skills program helps young adults with disabilities practice skills such as trust, listening and nonverbal communication, in a group and with therapy horses. Classes run on Fridays during the school year for students from the Douglas County and Carson City school districts, with Incline High School students every other year. In summer, youth in the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California Tribal Youth Program come to the ranch for equine-assisted activities, arts and crafts and community guests, often with siblings and caregivers.
The Horses and Staff
The staff page lists three PATH-certified instructors: Program Director Vince Pirozzi, Equine Manager Alissa Burns and Cat O'Brien. Amanda Lotter is Executive Director. Riders wear long pants and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes; helmets and tack are provided.
History
Local businessman Sam Waldman and his wife Lorri founded the program in 1999 at their Double W Ranch in Minden, modeling it on a North American Riding for the Handicapped Association children's program. After Sam died in 2000, Lorri, the board, staff, volunteers and families continued the work.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as side walkers, horse handlers, facility crew on the nearly 6-acre ranch, and equine crew (horse experience required). To apply, use the volunteer application on the website, email info@kidsandhorses.org or call 775-267-1775.
Location
Kids & Horses is at 2869 Esaw Street, Minden, NV 89423. The center says its participants, staff and volunteers come from Lake Tahoe, Genoa, Gardnerville, Minden, Carson City, Dayton, Reno, Sparks and surrounding areas.
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?
Complete the Prospective Client Form on the center's website, and staff will contact you about services.
How much do adaptive riding lessons cost?
The website lists lessons at $60 each, with tuition billed in full before each session starts (see our guide to equine therapy costs). Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. The center can also bill funders such as Nevada Accumen and FEAT.
What ages does the center serve?
The FAQ says it serves children and adults ages 2 to 100 with disabilities of any kind.
How do I find out about Memory Café dates?
Call 775-267-1775 or email info@kidsandhorses.org to ask about upcoming dates. The website says office hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location
Minden, Nevada 89423
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.