Sonrisas Trails
San Angelo, Texas
Sonrisas Trails (legally Sonrisas Therapeutic Riding Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in San Angelo, Texas. It lists therapeutic riding, groundwork with horses, a military veterans riding program, a school program and a team challenge course for people with physical, emotional or mental challenges.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Groundwork with horses
- Military veterans riding program
- School program
- Leadership exercises
- Low and high team challenge course
- Children and adults with disabilities, from age 3
- People with physical, emotional or mental challenges
- Military veterans
- Concho Valley school district students
- MHMR and Rescare clients
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Sonrisas began in 1983 as a Junior League project and was incorporated in 1987. It became a subsidiary of West Texas Boys Ranch in 2013 and took over the Mosaic Trails program in 2015. It says it receives no state or federal funding.
The website says its instructors are PATH Intl. certified and that most riders come from Concho Valley school districts, including Irion County ISD and Grapecreek ISD. It also serves clients through MHMR, Rescare and community riders. See our PATH Intl. guide for what instructor certification means.
Getting Started
To apply, email the center for a rider application. A primary care physician must complete and sign the Rider's Medical History Form. Return the packet by email, mail or in person, and the center then schedules an evaluation at the facility. There is a waitlist, and returning students are scheduled first.
The website lists 10-week fall (September to November) and spring (February to April) sessions and a morning summer session in June and July, with the summer schedule marked pending. Lessons run Monday through Friday.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 16 or older. Roles include leading horses, sidewalking, the challenge course, events and office tasks. Sessions last one hour, and training is provided individually.
Location
Sonrisas Trails is at 5185 S Bryant, San Angelo, TX 76904. Mail goes to P.O. Box 1093, San Angelo, TX 76902.
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 enroll a rider at Sonrisas Trails?
Email mkirkwood@sonrisasriding.org for a rider application. A physician must complete the medical history form, and the center then schedules an evaluation. The website notes a waitlist.
How much does therapeutic riding cost?
As listed on its website, there is a $60 fee for community riders with disabilities, and the school and veteran programs are free. The center says some sponsorship is available and it will not turn away a client in need who cannot pay. Call (325) 949-4837 to confirm current fees.
What ages does Sonrisas serve?
It has served clients of all ages since 2015, and its website says students with disabilities range from age 3 and up.
Location
San Angelo, Texas 76904
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.