Montgomery Area Nontraditional Equestrians
Pike Road, Alabama
Montgomery Area Non-Traditional Equestrians (MANE) is a nonprofit in Pike Road, Alabama, that has offered therapeutic riding since 1994. It serves children and adults ages 4 to 80 in the Tri-County region of Central Alabama, with seasonal riding sessions and summer camps.
- Therapeutic riding
- Mounted and unmounted lessons
- Horsemanship and horse care
- Summer camp for children
- Participant scholarships
- Children and adults ages 4 to 80
- Autism spectrum disorder and ADD
- Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida and traumatic brain injury
- PTSD and emotional or mental health concerns
- People with amputations
More about this center
About the Program
Riding runs in six-week sessions in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Lessons can be mounted or unmounted and are tailored to each rider. Certified PATH Intl. instructors teach the lessons with help from trained volunteers.
MANE also runs a summer camp for children ages 4 to 10, with or without special needs. Each camp week is three days of riding or leading lessons, horsemanship, equine care, team building, crafts and outdoor time. Camp is $250 per week, with a $25 discount for multiple children or multiple weeks. Registration opens March 1, and spots go first come, first served once forms and payment are in.
The Horses and Staff
Tiffany Atkinson is the director and an instructor. Jessica McWhorter is the program and operations manager, and Emily Stephens is the volunteer and administrative coordinator. Both also teach, and all three hold PATH Intl. instructor certification.
The herd includes Quarter Horses, Welsh and Shetland ponies, Gypsy Vanners, a Paint, an Appaloosa, an American Mustang and a miniature horse. Several came to MANE as donations from the Auburn University Equestrian Team.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 14, and no horse experience is needed. After extra training from the instructors, volunteers can lead horses, work as side walkers, help riders groom and tack, and care for the horses. Other roles include office work, grounds upkeep, fundraisers and outreach. Send the Volunteer Application to emily@maneweb.org, then read the volunteer handbook and attend a training.
Location
MANE sits on 44 acres at 3699 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road, Alabama, in East Montgomery. The grounds have large and small outdoor arenas, a 15-stall barn with an indoor arena and a mechanical lift, a 3-acre sensory integration trail, an enclosed round pen, viewing areas and a classroom building.
The office is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.
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 sign up for riding lessons?
Complete the Participant Application and email it to jessica@maneweb.org. A staff member will then contact you about getting started.
What ages does MANE serve?
Riders range from age 4 to 80. Summer camp is for children ages 4 to 10, and campers with special needs or certain medical conditions need a physician's form.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (334) 213-0909 or email jessica@maneweb.org for current session rates. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
When do sessions run?
Six-week riding sessions run four times a year, in the fall, winter, spring and summer.
Location
Pike Road, Alabama 36064
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.