Southcentral Therapeutic Riding
Wasilla, Alaska
Southcentral Therapeutic Riding, known as STRIDE Alaska, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wasilla, Alaska. It offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs, plus an Eagala program for service members, veterans and their families.
- Therapeutic riding for children and adults
- Small group riding sessions
- Clinics and extended riding sessions
- Equicizer (mechanical horse) practice
- Eagala equine-assisted psychotherapy for military families
- Volunteer training
- Children and adults with special needs
- Military service members
- Veterans
- Military families
More about this center
About the Program
Small group sessions usually meet for one hour a week over six weeks. Each rider works with trained volunteers: a horse leader, side walkers and spotters as needed. Instructors hold certification from PATH Intl., Eagala or the Certified Horsemanship Association, and STRIDE is a PATH Intl. member center. Instructors consult with licensed medical and mental health providers, and STRIDE can arrange evaluations and work with a rider's own therapists.
New riders are introduced to Sir George, an Equicizer mechanical horse, where they practice approaching, grooming and moving safely around a horse, try different saddles, and practice mounting and dismounting. Riders can also get extra mounted time on the Equicizer. Riders wear fitted ASTM-approved helmets, and boots are available to borrow.
The Eagala program uses certified Eagala facilitators to work with service members, veterans and their families, including on family reunification and PTSD. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Facility
The herd is mostly older horses with plenty of saddle experience, including former show, trail, lesson and 4-H horses. All are vetted, and STRIDE describes them as patient and willing. Sessions take place in indoor and outdoor arenas at The Ridge Riding Facility.
History and Volunteering
The program began in 1995 at founder Kathy Gliva's home stable, EKG Stables in Peters Creek, and moved to The Ridge in Wasilla in spring 2012. A volunteer board of directors guides the nonprofit.
Volunteers attend a three-hour hands-on training at The Ridge each spring, covering program philosophy, confidentiality, assisting riders, safety, grooming, tacking, leading, and mounting and dismounting, and are then paired with a consistent horse and rider team. Sir George, the Equicizer, is also used to train horse leaders and side walkers.
Location
Sessions are held at The Ridge Riding Facility, 4351 E Bogard Rd, Wasilla, Alaska 99654, at Mile 4 Bogard Road, directly across from Highline Drive, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The mailing address is P.O. Box 872032, Wasilla, Alaska 99687.
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 as a rider?
Complete the rider, release and medical forms online, or return them by mail or in person, and STRIDE will contact you for the next available session. Families are welcome to visit and meet the horses before signing up.
How much do sessions cost?
Call STRIDE at 907-373-7716 to ask about current session fees, which can be paid online.
How long are the sessions?
Small group sessions typically run one hour a week for six weeks.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. STRIDE holds a hands-on volunteer training at The Ridge each spring, and new volunteers are paired with a consistent horse and rider team.
Location
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
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.