Special Equestrian Riding Therapy
Moorpark, California
Special Equestrian Riding Therapy (SERT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Moorpark, California. SERT no longer offers riding sessions. It now runs a small, ground-based Equine Care Activities program for people with special needs, with a limited number of openings.
- Equine Care Activities (unmounted)
- Grooming
- Preparing horse supplements
- Stall care
- Learning to safely interact with a horse
- People with special needs
More about this center
About the Program
SERT was a center for special needs riding therapy for many years. Today it offers Equine Care Activities instead: participants groom horses, prepare supplements, help maintain stalls and learn how to be safe around a horse. All of the work happens on the ground, and the program is designed to provide therapeutic activities for people with special needs.
Openings are limited, so families should call to ask about availability before planning a visit. If you are looking for mounted lessons, our guide on how to choose a center can help you compare other programs.
The Horses
SERT is now the retirement home for the last of the therapy horses that served children in the special needs community. Volunteers run SERT and care for the horses.
History
SERT was founded in 1987 by a group of concerned individuals and parents of children with disabilities who wanted to improve their children's lives through horses. It is supported by donations.
Location
SERT is in Moorpark, in Ventura County, California. Call (805) 402-5193 for directions and to ask about openings.
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.
Does SERT still offer therapeutic riding?
No. SERT no longer offers riding sessions. Its current program is ground-based Equine Care Activities such as grooming, stall care and preparing supplements.
How do I get started?
Openings are limited. Call (805) 402-5193 to ask about availability, or use the contact form at sert.org.
Who is the program for?
The Equine Care Activities program is designed for people with special needs.
Location
Moorpark, California 93021
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.