Progressive Equestrian Therapeutic Services, Inc. (PETS)
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Progressive Equestrian Therapeutic Services, Inc. (PETS) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship instruction for children and adults with disabilities. According to its website, it serves residents of Prince George's County, Maryland, and is 100% volunteer-run. Its directions page points to Merkel Farm Equestrian Center in Bowie.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Horsemanship instruction
- Individualized, skill-based lessons
- Volunteer and group service-hour opportunities
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Residents of Prince George's County, MD
More about this center
About the Program
PETS says it was founded in 1982. Its mission statement describes the goal as helping each participant acquire knowledge and develop skills in horsemanship and horseback riding, with skill-based instruction in a safe learning environment.
According to its About page, PETS operates as a PATH International Center and uses certified instructors and trained volunteers to deliver individualized, skill-based lessons that aim to support physical, emotional and educational growth. The site does not mention hippotherapy or other licensed therapy services.
Getting Started
Prospective riders start by contacting PETS to learn about its screening process and required documentation. The riders page says the program is seeking participants for the 2026 riding season and invites people to fill out an information form, after which an instructor will be in touch.
Riders are asked to arrive 15 minutes early, wear long pants and hard-soled or hard-toe shoes, avoid dangling jewelry, and call the barn if they will be late or absent.
Volunteering
Because PETS is run entirely by volunteers, it regularly recruits helpers and offers group opportunities for service hours. Volunteers can sign up through the program's website.
Location
PETS announced in October 2025 that it was moving to Merkel Farm Equestrian Center in Bowie, MD 20715, starting in spring 2026, and its directions page now lists that facility. Mail goes to P.O. Box 1244, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773-1244. The program serves residents of Prince George's County.
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 as a rider?
Contact PETS to learn about its screening process and required documentation, or fill out the information form on its riders page. An instructor will contact you.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (301) 627-4308 or email pgcpets@gmail.com to ask. See our guide to equine therapy costs for general context.
Where are lessons held?
The program's directions page points to Merkel Farm Equestrian Center in Bowie, Maryland, where PETS said it would be based starting in spring 2026.
How can I volunteer?
PETS is all-volunteer and recruits volunteers through the How to Volunteer page on its website. Group service-hour opportunities are also available.
Location
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20773-1244
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.