New Kingdom Trailriders
Sherrard, Illinois
New Kingdom Trailriders (NKT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Sherrard, Illinois, that offers therapeutic riding lessons. Its website says it was founded in 1984, is accredited by PATH Intl., and serves riders of all ages and abilities in the Quad Cities area.
- Therapeutic horseback riding lessons
- Group lessons grouped by ability and social fit
- Private lessons with a dedicated instructor and volunteers
- Scholarships (by application)
- New volunteer training
- Children age 4 and older
- Teens and adults
- People with autism
- People living with mental illness
More about this center
About the Program
NKT's stated mission is to empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential through equine assisted activities. Its website says it is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and calls itself the Quad Cities' only PATH accredited facility.
Riders range in age from 4 to 77, according to the program page, which also says about half of riders live with some form of mental illness and 32% are on the autism spectrum. The site reports 3,500 lessons, 155 volunteers and 10,000 volunteer hours in 2025.
Getting Started
New riders start by submitting the Rider Interest Form on the website, then complete the new rider paperwork. The site also posts a rider handbook and a scholarship application.
Call (309) 764-4220 or email info@nktriders.org to ask about costs, lesson times and openings.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as horse leaders, side walkers, horse handlers, lesson greeters, grounds helpers, administrative help and committee members. Volunteers must be at least 14 to volunteer without supervision, and all new volunteers attend a training session. The volunteer page lists the volunteer coordinator's email, monika@nktriders.org.
Location
New Kingdom Trailriders is located at 18929 81st Street, Sherrard, Illinois 61281. A regional 211 directory lists its service area as Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside counties in Illinois and Clinton, Muscatine and Scott counties in Iowa.
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 a new rider?
Fill out the Rider Interest Form on the NKT website, which it calls the first step for new riders, and then complete the new rider paperwork. You can also call (309) 764-4220 with questions.
What ages does New Kingdom Trailriders serve?
The website says riders can start as young as 4, and its oldest rider is 77.
How much do lessons cost?
It offers a scholarship application. Call (309) 764-4220 for current pricing.
Is New Kingdom Trailriders PATH Intl. accredited?
Yes, according to its website, which says it is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
Location
Sherrard, Illinois 61281
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.