Naples Therapeutic Riding Center
Naples, Florida
Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Naples, Florida, and says it is the only accredited PATH Intl. Premier Center in Collier County. It offers therapeutic riding, occupational therapy with horses, referral-based group programs and mini horse visits.
- Therapeutic riding
- Occupational therapy with horses (licensed OT)
- TROT clinical program with partner PT/OT clinicians
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy groups
- Equine-facilitated learning groups
- Mini horse therapy visits
- Little Bitty Literacy virtual reading program
- Summer camp
- Individuals with cognitive, physical and emotional disabilities
- Riders age 4 and older
- People healing from trauma and PTSD
- Children coping with the loss of a loved one
- People struggling with addiction
- Homeless youth
- People with mental health diagnoses
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the center began in 1997 as Naples Equestrian Challenge with four children, four volunteers and two borrowed horses. A 2017 capital campaign added the Clark Family Equine-Assisted Therapy Center, and NTRC says it now serves more than 700 participants a year with 12 to 14 horses and about 500 volunteers.
Riding lessons are 30 minutes, once a week from September through May, Monday through Thursday and Saturday, led by PATH Intl. Certified instructors with volunteer sidewalkers. A mounting lift, covered arena, bridle path and sensory trail are listed.
Therapy and Group Work
Occupational therapy with horses pairs a registered, licensed occupational therapist with a PATH Intl. Certified instructor. TROT, begun in 2018 with partner physical and occupational therapists, uses the horse's movement toward functional goals for patients of PTs, OTs and SLPs.
Group programs include unmounted equine-facilitated psychotherapy groups led by an equine specialist and a mental health counselor, plus mounted and unmounted learning groups. Mini horses visit hospitals, schools, memory care centers and group homes.
Location
NTRC is at 206 Ridge Drive, Naples, FL 34108, in Collier County. Mini horse visits happen on campus and at community sites.
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 rider?
Download the application from the "I Want to Ride" page, pick one up at the office, or call (239) 596-2988 or email program@ntrc.org. Riders must be at least 4, and the site says spaces fill quickly.
How much does it cost?
As listed for 2026-2027, riding is $50 per weekly lesson plus a one-time $30 evaluation, and occupational therapy with horses is $75 per weekly lesson. Need-based scholarships are available. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can I sign up for a group program or TROT directly?
No. The center says it does not accept individual requests for group programs or TROT at this time; group participants are identified by professionals at their affiliated organizations.
How can I request a mini horse visit?
Contact the mini program coordinator at cvanorsdale@ntrc.org or (239) 596-2988.
Location
Naples, Florida 34108
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.