National Ability Center

About the Program

The equestrian program runs year-round, six days a week, in a heated 17,000-square-foot indoor arena and barn, with an outdoor arena, a round pen and the Round Valley trail system next to the property. Instruction comes from trained equine professionals and PATH Intl.-certified staff, according to the center's website.

Private adaptive riding and equine-assisted learning lessons last 50 minutes, and group lessons last 80 minutes. Riding lessons include grooming and tacking at the start and untacking and grooming at the end. Equine-assisted learning sessions are done entirely on foot.

The herd varies in size, breed, age and training background. The center supplies saddles and equipment fitted to each horse, and personal saddles are not allowed.

Getting Started

Registration is through the center's online participant portal. Adaptive riding and camps require a Physician's Statement signed by the participant's physician, updated each year and valid at least two weeks before the program starts.

Everyone on horseback wears a properly fitted ASTM-SEI approved equestrian helmet. Loaner helmets are available, and riders may bring their own if it is ASTM-SEI approved and no more than five years old. The center asks for appropriate attire and recommends long pants, closed-toe shoes or firm-soled boots with a small heel, and long hair tied back.

Scholarships are available to participants of any age, and families who need help with the cost can apply by choosing the scholarship option at checkout in the registration portal.

History and Volunteering

Meeche White and Pete Badewitz, a Vietnam veteran, founded the organization in 1985 as the Park City Handicapped Sports Association. The equestrian program began in 1989, and an anonymous gift of 26 acres in 1996 established the NAC Ranch. The center says its equestrian program received Premier Accreditation from PATH Intl. in 2011.

Volunteers serve as side walkers and horse leaders (ages 14 and up) or equine-assisted learning assistants (16 and up) after completing the center's training. Beyond horses, the center runs many other adaptive activities, including skiing and snowboarding, climbing, cycling, paddle sports and archery.

Location

The National Ability Center is at 1000 Ability Way, Park City, UT 84060. Equestrian sessions take place at the NAC Ranch in the barn, indoor and outdoor arenas and on trails.