Special Equestrians
Indian Springs, Alabama
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a therapeutic riding program in Indian Springs, Alabama, south of Birmingham. It is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center offering therapeutic riding and horsemanship for children and adults age 4 and older with physical, cognitive, developmental or emotional disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding
- Horsemanship
- 45-minute group riding lessons
- Children age 4 and older
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive or developmental disabilities
- People with emotional challenges
More about this center
About the Program
The mission of Special Equestrians is to enrich the lives of people with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges, with the goal of increasing riders' independence and quality of life. The center is recognized as a Premier Accredited Center by PATH Intl.
Riders take a 45-minute group lesson geared to their skill level and abilities. Each lesson includes a warm up, skill introduction and practice, and a fun activity such as a game or a trail ride. Lessons run in multi-week terms, including a five-week fall term and a six-week spring term.
Getting Started
Riders must be at least 4 years old, weigh less than 200 pounds and have a diagnosed physical, mental, developmental or emotional disability that prevents them from taking part in a regular riding program. Riders must also behave in a way that does not harm the horses or volunteers. Each rider needs a physician's statement noting any precautions or contraindications and must be approved by the director, instructor and therapist. A staff member evaluates each new rider, and certain physical disabilities also require an evaluation by a licensed occupational or physical therapist.
Riders must wear an ASTM-approved helmet for the whole lesson. Riders with Down syndrome need proof of a negative cervical X-ray for atlantoaxial instability. Families update all participant forms each year.
The Horses and Staff
Executive director Kathleen Claybrook and assistant director Madison Pozzo are both certified therapeutic riding instructors (CTRI), and the instructor team includes several more CTRIs. Lee Ann Perry is the equine manager.
The horses are donated or loaned to the program. Most come from owners who no longer had time to ride or could no longer ride, and who wanted their horses to have meaningful work and good care. Some are older or have a mild injury that rules out activities such as jumping. Each horse is screened and, if accepted, starts on a three-month trial.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 14 or older. New volunteers complete the volunteer forms and attend a training session. Training is held once a month, with extra sessions before each spring, summer and fall term. To reserve a spot, email volunteer@specialequest.org.
Location
Special Equestrians is at 1215 Woodward Drive, Indian Springs, AL 35124, south of Birmingham.
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 much do lessons cost at Special Equestrians?
Therapeutic riding and horsemanship are each $150 for a five-week term and $180 for a six-week term. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Who can ride?
Anyone age 4 or older with a diagnosed physical, mental, developmental or emotional disability who weighs less than 200 pounds and meets the medical and evaluation requirements.
How do I sign up?
Call (205) 987-9462 or email ride@specialequest.org to ask about enrollment forms and the next term.
Location
Indian Springs, Alabama 35124
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.