Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club
Newport Beach, California
Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Newport Beach, California. It offers therapeutic riding lessons, equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted psychotherapy for children, teens and adults with physical, developmental or mental special needs.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted learning (EAL)
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy and therapy (EAPT)
- Eight-week lesson sessions, one lesson per week
- Four-week summer camp in July
- Volunteer program
- Fieldwork placements for occupational therapy students
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with mental health needs
- Riders with autism, cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the club began more than two decades ago as founder Bernadette Olsen's backyard project and became an official nonprofit in 2007. It describes the property as one of the last remaining horse sanctuaries in Newport Beach, home to ten horses along with a pig, a goat and chickens.
The club says it is a member of PATH Intl. and that its staff include certified therapeutic riding instructors and EAGALA-certified equine specialists in mental health and learning. It reports serving more than 600 individuals with special needs and working with over 1,000 volunteers.
Getting Started
The process starts with a phone call or personal interview, during which the club asks about the rider's height, weight, age and primary diagnosis. If there are no contraindications, families receive an enrollment package that includes a medical release signed by a supervising physician, followed by an initial evaluation.
The club says each rider's needs are approached individually. Riders who already work with a physical or occupational therapist can have that therapist help shape their program, and some riders may be referred for a physical therapy evaluation at their own expense before lessons begin. Certain conditions, such as scoliosis of 30 degrees or more, require an evaluation.
Location
The club is located at 20262 SW Cypress Street, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
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 we enroll?
Call the club first. If the rider has no contraindications, it will send an enrollment package with a physician-signed medical release, then schedule an initial evaluation before the first lesson. A student application form is also posted on its website.
How are lessons scheduled?
The club offers eight-week sessions with one lesson per week, and each session includes initial, mid-session and end-of-session evaluations.
How much does it cost?
Call the office at (949) 474-3729 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs covers typical pricing.
How do I contact the club?
The website lists an office phone of (949) 474-3729, a cell phone of (949) 205-5494 and the email backbayridingclub@yahoo.com.
Location
Newport Beach, California 92660
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.