Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center
Powhatan, Virginia
Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center (LDEC) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Powhatan, Virginia. It provides therapeutic riding and equine-related activities for veterans with special needs and disabilities, as well as first responders in Central Virginia. There is no cost to participants or their families.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-related activities
- Group sessions
- One-on-one activities
- Complimentary lunch after each session
- Veterans with disabilities or special needs
- Physically disabled veterans
- U.S. Armed Forces service members
- First responders in Central Virginia
- Adults from their early twenties to over 90
More about this center
About the Program
LDEC began in January 2008 with three riders and a couple of horses. Its mission is to give veterans with special needs and disabilities a safe, relaxing and peaceful place to benefit from therapeutic riding. The riding is meant to improve muscle tone, balance and mobility for physically disabled veterans, and to support mental stimulation, self-confidence and self-esteem.
The center says it has served veterans ranging in age from their early twenties to over 90. Donors cover the cost, so riders and their families do not pay. For more on this kind of program, see our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Facility
The About page lists five horses: Rollick, Dandy, TC, Tonto and Charlie. It says each is specially trained to give veterans a safe, therapeutic ride, and describes them as patient and gentle.
Riding takes place in an indoor arena with a mounting ramp for wheelchair users and physically challenged riders, plus a viewing area for family and friends. Attached to the arena is a heated and air-conditioned lounge where the center serves a complimentary lunch after every session. A covered picnic area overlooks the outdoor riding ring, and lunch is cooked and served there on warm days.
Volunteering
LDEC is run entirely by volunteers, who coach, cook, prepare the facility and assist riders. People interested in volunteering or donating can reach the center by phone or email.
Location
Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center is at 6137 Old Buckingham Road, Powhatan, Virginia 23139. Its mailing address is P.O. Box 1346, Powhatan, VA 23139. The center serves veterans and first responders in Central Virginia.
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.
Who can ride at Lonesome Dove Equestrian Center?
The program is for veterans with special needs and disabilities and for first responders in Central Virginia. Call (804) 356-6327 or email ldequestriancenter@yahoo.com to ask about joining.
How much does it cost?
The center says there is no cost to participants or their families, thanks to its donors.
Is the facility accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. The indoor arena has a mounting ramp for wheelchair users and physically challenged riders.
Location
Powhatan, Virginia 23139
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.