Bakas Equestrian Center
Tampa, Florida
Bakas Equestrian Center is a Hillsborough County therapeutic riding center in northwest Tampa, Florida. It offers therapeutic riding lessons, camps and Special Olympics equestrian activities for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. A nonprofit, Bakas "Horses for Handicapped," Inc., raises funds to support the center.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- English and Western riding disciplines
- Riding camps
- Special Olympics equestrian training and competition
- Riding events and challenge shows
- Volunteer program
- Children ages 4 and up with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- Riders who use wheelchairs or walkers
More about this center
About the Program
The Hillsborough County page describes Bakas as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center providing equine-assisted therapy to people with disabilities. According to the county, goal-based lessons may include Western and English riding, trail obstacles, dressage, barrel racing and pole bending. The center's website says lessons target needs such as balance, core strength, flexibility and independence.
Sessions run about four weeks, with one 30-minute lesson per week, according to the county. The center says it has an electric ramp lift and trained staff to help riders who use wheelchairs or walkers onto the horse. Spectrum Bay News 9 reported in February 2025 that the center was hosting the Florida Westcoast Equestrian Competition for the Special Olympics.
Getting Started
New riders complete a New Rider Application, available on the center's website or at the barn, and continuing riders update paperwork yearly. Continuing between sessions depends on availability, and the center notes a long waitlist. Bakas is not open to the public for general riding.
Volunteering
Volunteers learn horse care and handling and help riders during lessons. The county requires an application and background screening, and volunteers 12 and older may serve without a parent.
Location
Bakas Equestrian Center is at 11510 Whisper Lake Trail, Tampa, FL 33626. The county lists hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday through Monday.
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 New Rider Application from the center's website or the barn. The center reports a long waitlist, so call (813) 264-3890 to ask about openings.
What ages does Bakas serve?
According to Hillsborough County, the center serves people ages 4 and up with cognitive and physical disabilities.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on the center's website, lessons are $10 each, paid by check or money order, with the full session due on the first lesson day. That page may be out of date, so confirm current fees by phone. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are lessons held?
According to the county, lessons are held Tuesday through Saturday mornings and Tuesday through Thursday afternoons.
Location
Tampa, Florida 33626
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.