Full Stride Therapeutic Riding Center
Petaluma, California
Full Stride Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Liberty Road in Petaluma, California. It offers one-on-one therapeutic riding and unmounted sessions for children and adults with disabilities, plus a ground-based Equine Embodiment program. The center lists serving people with autism, ADD/ADHD, anxiety and depression, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays and learning disorders.
- One-on-one therapeutic riding instruction
- Unmounted horse sessions
- 30, 45 and 60 minute riding sessions
- Introduction session with barn tour and grooming
- Equine Embodiment somatic sessions
- Equine-partnered coaching
- Children
- Young adults and adults
- Autism
- ADD/ADHD
- Anxiety and depression
- Cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- Developmental delays and learning disorders
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, riding students learn to catch, groom and tack a horse, ride in the arena, then untack and put the horse away. Thirty-minute sessions have the horse ready on arrival for students with shorter attention spans or lower stamina, while 45 and 60 minute sessions add more hands-on horse care. Unmounted sessions focus on communication, self-awareness, confidence and self-acceptance.
Equine Embodiment is a separate program of private, ground-based somatic sessions and equine-partnered coaching that the website says focus on nervous system regulation, self-discovery and boundary setting. The center notes it does not have a hoist to lift riders onto horses.
The Horses and Staff
Full Stride is a PATH Intl. Center Member and says sessions are supervised by PATH Intl. Certified Professionals. Founder Stacey Halvorsen is a lifelong rider. Instructor Sheryl Venton is listed as a licensed occupational therapist and PATH certified instructor, and Yasmeena Grossi is listed as an EAL instructor and life coach.
The site lists six horses, including Timex, a retired cutting horse, Jules, who competed in cutting, and Toby, a small pony it describes as a favorite for those learning the basics.
Location
The center is at 833 Liberty Rd., Petaluma, CA 94952, in Sonoma County. Call Stacey at 707-481-5998 or email stacey@fullstride.org for general questions.
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 enroll at Full Stride?
Complete the New Student Enrollment Form and the liability release on the center's website and email them to stacey@fullstride.org. The site says there is currently a waitlist, and new students start with an introduction session.
How much do sessions cost?
As listed on its website, riding sessions are $65 for 30 minutes, $85 for 45 minutes and $100 for 60 minutes, and Equine Embodiment sessions are $150 for 60 minutes. The center notes prices are subject to change; see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who do I contact about Equine Embodiment?
The website lists yasmeena@fullstride.org for Equine Embodiment inquiries.
Location
Petaluma, California 94952
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.