Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania
Wexford, Pennsylvania
Riding for the Handicapped of Western Pennsylvania (RHWPA) is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wexford, Pennsylvania, near Allegheny County's North Park. It provides therapeutic riding for children and young people with disabilities, ages 3 to 18, and its mission statement says the program is offered at no fee to families.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- 45-minute riding sessions
- Monday and Thursday classes
- No lesson fees (riders pay a small insurance fee)
- Children with disabilities
- Riders ages 3 to 18
- Children with physical disabilities
- Children with mental and emotional disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, RHWPA aims to supplement traditional physical therapy and educational development by working on muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination and motor skills, along with self-esteem and general well-being. Classes run on Mondays and Thursdays, and the site describes 45-minute sessions.
The organization says more than 100 riders take part each year. The program has no paid staff and relies on volunteers, donations, fundraising and grants. Its annual events include a Witches' Tea fundraiser in October.
History
The program began in 1979, when physical therapist Maria Kyne set out to create a riding program for people with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. It was one of the first programs of its kind in the United States, according to the center. In 2012 it opened a new facility near North Park.
The Horses and Staff
The Our Horses page lists nine horses: Sunny, Diablo, Dante, Snickers, Flash, Tonto, Lucky, Chrome and Houdini. T.M. Abbott is the program director, and the website lists a team of volunteer instructors.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be physically fit and at least 14 years old. Side walkers, who walk beside the horse to steady the rider, need no experience. Horse leaders need extensive horse experience and side walking experience, and the program trains them.
To start, come to the barn on a Monday (1:15 to 8:30 p.m.) or Thursday (3:30 to 9 p.m.) and ask for a board member or instructor. All new and returning volunteers complete criminal and child abuse background checks, which the program says Pennsylvania law requires, and volunteers ages 14 to 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the paperwork.
Location
The barn and arena are at 9950 Grubbs Road, Wexford, PA 15090, near North Park in Allegheny County. Volunteers can park in the lower lot and walk up the hill to the far barn and arena. Mail goes to P.O. Box 23, Allison Park, PA 15101-0023.
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 much does it cost?
The mission statement says the program is offered at no fee to families, and the homepage says riders pay only a small insurance fee. Call 724-443-4485 for current details.
What ages does the program serve?
RHWPA serves children and young people with disabilities from age 3 to 18.
How do I enroll my child?
Contact the program by email at riding@rhwpa.org or by phone at 724-443-4485 on non-program days to ask about openings.
How do I reach the program on class days?
On Mondays and Thursdays, the barn number is 412-366-2220; the homepage says to use it for canceling a class. Use 724-443-4485 on other days.
Location
Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090
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.