Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program
Santa Ynez, California
Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Santa Ynez, California. It offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship for children and adults with physical, cognitive, social, emotional or other life challenges. Its website says it is a Premier Accredited Center with PATH Intl.
- Weekly therapeutic riding
- Horsemanship classes
- Individual and group riding lessons
- Travels with Teacup miniature horse visits
- School and agency partner programs
- Children and adults with special needs
- People with physical challenges
- People with cognitive challenges
- People with social or emotional challenges
- Ages 3 to 100
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the program began in 1990 when Mary Ann Evans, PhD, started it in her backyard with a single horse. It was first called 4H Hearts and was run through the UC 4H extension program for about a decade, then became a separate nonprofit in 2000.
The program says it serves almost 70 students each week and about 300 people a year, with lessons taught on specially trained horses. Its stated mission is to serve participants regardless of their ability to pay.
Community Partnerships
The website lists current collaborations that include weekly riding lessons for Solvang School special education students, Momentum WORK Inc. and the Santa Maria School District, a weekly horsemanship class for the Hidden Wings adult program, and field days for children with special needs at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Through Travels with Teacup, the program brings a miniature horse to organizations.
Volunteering
Volunteers work alongside staff and horses during riding and horsemanship sessions. Interested volunteers can fill out the inquiry form on the website or contact the volunteer coordinator at 805-350-2280.
Location
The program is based at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association Center, 195 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez, CA 93460. Its mailing address is PO Box 256, Solvang, CA 93464.
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.
Is the program accepting new riders?
The website says it is not currently accepting new participants for weekly therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs. It keeps a waitlist, but the waitlist form was closed when checked. Call 805-350-2229 to ask about openings.
What ages and requirements apply?
The program accepts students from 3 to 100 years old. Riders must have a physician's release.
How much do lessons cost?
Individual lessons are $50 per person, as listed on the website. Scholarships are available based on funding. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I contact the program?
Call the programs office at 805-350-2229 or email info@syvtherapeuticriding.org.
Location
Santa Ynez, California 93460
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.