Riding for Dreams
Lisbon, North Dakota
Riding For Dreams is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adaptive riding program based near Lisbon, North Dakota. It offers adaptive riding lessons, a form of therapeutic riding, for children and adults with disabilities, taught by PATH-credentialed instructors according to its website.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Summer classes
- Fall lessons
- Scholarships
- Volunteer training
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders who need physical, emotional or cognitive support
More about this center
About the Program
Riding For Dreams began in 2009, started by three women who wanted to improve the lives of students with disabilities through equine therapies and adaptive riding. The organization says it was the first program of its kind in North Dakota. Its mission is to offer individualized learning with horses to unlock each person's potential and build caring communities.
Lessons run in a summer session in June and July and a fall session in September, according to the program's calendar. Donations cover most of the cost of participant services, and the program raises funds through community events such as bingo nights and a year-end gala.
The Horses and Staff
Lonnie Rotenberger, one of the founders, is the lead instructor, and Rachel Waddell also teaches. The program says its instructors hold PATH Intl. credentials. Its Horses page lists five horses, including Quarter Horses Jake, Naughty and Junior. Supporters can sponsor a horse to help cover hay, pasture, supplements, veterinary care and hoof trimming.
Volunteering
Volunteers work as sidewalkers, horse handlers and helpers outside the arena keeping tack and equipment clean. Independent volunteers must be at least 14, and younger volunteers must come with a guardian. Volunteers must be 16 to help during lessons, though younger helpers can ask the program about exceptions. New volunteers fill out a registration and release form, attend a general orientation and complete at least one hour of training with the lead instructor.
Location
Riding For Dreams is located at 6700 132nd Ave SE, Lisbon, ND 58054, in Ransom County. Mail goes to PO Box 911, Lisbon, ND 58054.
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 a rider?
Print the participant registration, release and consent forms from the Student Sign Up page and mail them to Riding For Dreams, Attn: Student Forms, PO Box 911, Lisbon, ND 58054.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 701-251-8102 or email ridingfordreams@hotmail.com to ask about current rates. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can submit a scholarship request form.
When are lessons held?
The program's calendar lists summer classes in June and July and fall lessons in September. Check the calendar or Facebook page for current dates.
Location
Lisbon, North Dakota 58054
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.