Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, Inc.
Waxhaw, North Carolina
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Waxhaw, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte, that offers therapeutic riding for children with special needs. Riders are ages 5 to 18, and the program says riding has always been free for riders. It is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Horsemanship experiences
- Tuesday-Friday afternoon and Friday-Saturday morning classes
- Volunteer program
- Children and teens ages 5 to 18 with special needs
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Spina bifida
- Muscular dystrophy
More about this center
About the Program
Riding is free for riders, according to the center's website. The program is supported by donations and by the Mitey Golf Challenge in June, which the center describes as its only fundraiser. The center also holds a Spring Festival in May.
Classes run from September through May. Afternoon classes are held Tuesday through Friday, and morning classes on Friday and Saturday.
History
The farm began in 1969 as an 80-acre Saddlebred horse farm owned by Harry and Marilyn Swimmer. In 1993 Harry met Stacy, a young girl with cerebral palsy, and lifted her onto one of his horses. That same year the Swimmers decided to open the farm to children with special needs, with help from family friend Joy Simon, and the program welcomed its first rider in 1994. They believed no family should pay for a child to ride. Harry Swimmer was named a CNN Top 10 Hero in 2016.
The Horses and Volunteers
The Horses page lists 12 horses and ponies, from Sugar, a Shetland pony suited to first-time and smaller riders, to larger horses such as Sundance, a Quarter Horse, and Pillsbury, a Clydesdale/Haflinger cross. Many came from hunter show and pony careers.
More than 200 volunteers support the program. Roles include horse leaders, sidewalkers, a barn team for people with horse experience, and help with fundraising, events and special projects. Volunteers are trained before they start.
Location
Misty Meadows Mitey Riders is at 455 Providence Rd. South, Waxhaw, NC 28173, just outside Charlotte. The farm has more than 80 acres of pasture and trails.
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 apply for my child to ride?
New rider applications are accepted once a year, from April 1 to July 1. The Rider Application can be downloaded from the Ride With Us page on the center's website, or families can call the office at (704) 841-0602.
What ages does the program serve?
Riders range from 5 to 18 years old. The center serves children with a range of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy.
How much does it cost?
The center says riding has always been free for riders. The program is funded by donations and its Mitey Golf Challenge fundraiser.
How do I contact the center?
Call (704) 841-0602 or email ridewithus@miteyriders.org.
Location
Waxhaw, North Carolina 28173
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.