Bit by Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center
Davie, Florida
Bit by Bit Medical Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Davie, Florida. It offers hippotherapy delivered by occupational, physical and speech therapy professionals, along with adaptive riding, riding lessons and a free program for military veterans. Its website says it serves individuals with special needs, at-risk youth and veterans.
- Hippotherapy (occupational, physical and speech therapy)
- Recreational therapeutic (adaptive) riding
- Riding lessons, beginner to advanced
- Weekly adult group rides
- Horses for Heroes program for veterans
- Scout and group workshops
- Volunteer opportunities
- People with special needs
- Individuals of all ages and abilities
- Military veterans
- At-risk youth
- Scout troops and groups (ages 6 and up)
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Bit by Bit was founded in 2002 by physical therapist Susan March and occupational therapist Kathleen Pegues, who each bought a horse and began treating their first four patients. The center bought its own barn in December 2015 and says it now provides more than 500 therapy sessions a month.
In hippotherapy sessions, therapists use the horse's movement as part of occupational, physical or speech therapy. Adaptive riding is offered as recreational lessons, private or in small groups of 2 to 4 riders. The center notes that adaptive riding lessons are not usually covered by health insurance.
The Horses and Staff
The center lists Denise Panariello, MS, OTR/L, as executive director and Liz Nerhus, MS, OTR/L, as program manager. Both are PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Bit by Bit describes itself as a PATH Intl. Member Center and an American Hippotherapy Association Registered Facility.
Volunteering and Veterans
The Horses for Heroes program provides equine-assisted activities to military veterans free of charge. It meets the first Friday of each month from October through May. Volunteers can download a volunteer registration form from the center's website.
Location
Bit by Bit is located at 3141 SW 118th Terrace, Davie, Florida 33330, in Broward County. Office hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 1 pm.
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 get started?
The website says to call the intake coordinator at (754) 779-7888, who will explain the next steps. A registration packet can also be downloaded from the website.
How much do sessions cost?
As listed, a 30-minute individual riding lesson is $50, a one-hour group lesson is $50, and scout workshops are $50 per rider. Call (754) 779-7888 to ask about current rates. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is there a program for veterans?
Yes. Horses for Heroes is free for military veterans and meets the first Friday of each month from October through May.
How do I contact the center?
Call (754) 779-7888 or email info@bitbybittherapy.org.
Location
Davie, Florida 33330
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.