Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding
West Hempstead, New York
Seaside 4 Therapeutic Riding is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides therapeutic horseback riding for children and adults with special needs in the New York City area. Lessons take place at the New York Equestrian Center in West Hempstead, NY, just east of the Queens border, and the program runs all year.
- Therapeutic riding lessons with certified instructors
- Horsemanship, equine behavior and horse care instruction
- Individualized riding plans, with input from a rider's PT, OT or speech therapist
- Volunteer opportunities, including community service hours for teens
- Children and adults with special needs, age 2 and up
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy and developmental delay
- Down syndrome and Williams syndrome
- Brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke
- Multiple sclerosis and seizure disorders
- Hearing and visual impairment
- Learning disabilities and amputation
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, riders work with certified instructors and volunteers and learn horsemanship skills, equine behavior and horse care alongside their riding. The center invites physical, occupational and speech therapists to work with its instructors and a rider's caregivers to build an individualized riding plan.
Lessons are held in indoor (Olympic-size) and outdoor arenas at the New York Equestrian Center. The program's GuideStar profile says it serves more than 20 riders with autism, with goals of better communication, socialization, attention and coordination.
Getting Started
The website lists a minimum age of two and a rider weight limit of 175 pounds. Student registration packets are posted as fillable PDFs on the center's forms page.
Volunteering and Leadership
Seaside 4 is run entirely by volunteers, who serve as horse leaders and in other roles. The site notes that volunteering is a good fit for teens who need community service hours, and volunteer registration packets are on the forms page.
The nonprofit received its IRS tax exemption in 2011 and files annual returns with the IRS. Marian Pierce is president, and Jerry Schoenacher is treasurer and executive director.
Location
Riding takes place at the New York Equestrian Center, 633 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead, NY 11552, just east of the Queens border. The center is near Exit 18 of the Southern State Parkway and the Lakeview stop on the LIRR West Hempstead branch. Mail goes to PO Box 290256, Brooklyn, NY 11229.
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.
Who can ride?
The center serves children and adults with a wide range of special needs. Riders must be at least two years old and weigh no more than 175 pounds, according to its website.
How much do lessons cost?
Lessons are $50 each, as listed on the website, with 25 minutes of time in the saddle plus mounting and dismounting. For general pricing, see our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I get started?
Download the student registration packet from the center's website, or call (646) 831-6256 or email info@s4tr.org to ask about openings and the lesson schedule.
Location
West Hempstead, New York 11552
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.