Steady Strides Riding Center (SSRC) is a nonprofit equestrian organization located in Tucson, Arizona, dedicated to creating an accessible, inclusive, and supportive community of horseback riders. The center believes that anyone who has the desire to work with or ride horses should have the opportunity to do so, regardless of physical, cognitive, emotional, or financial barriers. By offering both adaptive and traditional riding lessons, financial assistance, volunteer opportunities, and horse rescue initiatives, SSRC provides a unique model that welcomes riders of all abilities.
Founded in 2018, Steady Strides Riding Center is committed to developing confident, responsible, and compassionate horse people through individualized instruction and relationship-based horsemanship. The organization also promotes horse welfare by rehabilitating and rehoming rescued horses while educating the community about responsible equine care.
About This Program
Steady Strides Riding Center offers adaptive horseback riding lessons alongside traditional English riding instruction, ensuring riders of all abilities can learn and grow together. Lessons focus on developing safe, effective riding skills while fostering strong partnerships between horses and riders. The center emphasizes horsemanship education through groundwork, horse care, balance development, communication, and individualized learning plans tailored to each participant’s goals.
Adaptive riding lessons are designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional disabilities and are taught by PATH International-certified instructors. Traditional lessons focus primarily on the hunter/jumper discipline while emphasizing correct riding fundamentals, confidence, and responsible horse ownership. Financial assistance is available to help make participation accessible to more families.
Services Offered
- Adaptive horseback riding lessons
- Traditional English riding lessons
- Hunter/jumper instruction
- Beginner through advanced riding lessons
- Individualized horsemanship education
- Horse grooming and care instruction
- Groundwork and horse handling skills
- Financial assistance for riding programs
- Horse boarding services
- Horse rescue and rehabilitation
- Rescue horse adoption support
- Volunteer opportunities
- Community education and outreach
- Special events and fundraising activities
Who They Serve
Steady Strides Riding Center may be good for:
- Children and youth
- Adults of all ages
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental disabilities
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Riders with emotional or mental health challenges
- Beginner riders
- Experienced equestrians
- Hunter/jumper competitors
- Horse owners seeking boarding services
- Individuals interested in horse rescue and volunteer work
- Families seeking inclusive equestrian opportunities
Facility and Setting
Steady Strides Riding Center operates from its permanent home at 11350 E. Old Vail Road in Tucson, Arizona. The property was acquired to expand the organization’s ability to serve adaptive riders and traditional equestrians while improving accessibility and facilities for individuals with disabilities. Lessons are conducted by appointment in a welcoming environment designed to support riders, volunteers, and horses alike.
The center maintains a team of experienced instructors, dedicated volunteers, and well-trained lesson horses. Great care is given to the physical and emotional well-being of each horse through proper nutrition, veterinary care, regular training, turnout, and rehabilitation when needed.
What Makes Them Unique
Steady Strides Riding Center stands apart by integrating adaptive and traditional riding into one inclusive community where riders of all abilities learn together. This model helps eliminate barriers to participation while promoting acceptance, confidence, and meaningful relationships between horses and people. Financial assistance and volunteer support further ensure that horseback riding remains accessible regardless of financial circumstances.
Another distinctive aspect of SSRC is its commitment to horse rescue and rehabilitation. Beyond providing excellent care for its lesson horses, the organization rescues, retrains, rehabilitates, and rehomes horses in need while educating riders about responsible horse ownership and equine welfare.