Steady Strides Riding Center
Tucson, Arizona
Steady Strides Riding Center is a nonprofit riding center on the southeast side of Tucson, Arizona. It offers adaptive riding lessons for children and adults with emotional, behavioral, cognitive or physical disabilities, alongside traditional English lessons, boarding and a small horse rescue program. Its mission is to create an inclusive, accessible and supportive community of horseback riders.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Ground-based (unmounted) horse activities
- Private and group lessons
- Traditional hunter/jumper lessons
- Horse rescue and rehabilitation
- Boarding
- Volunteer program
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Riders of all levels
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive lessons can be mounted or on the ground. Instruction, tack, horses and volunteers are adjusted to each student, and instructors set short- and long-term goals with the rider and family. Most students come for one 30- or 50-minute lesson a week. Read more about therapeutic riding.
Adaptive and traditional lessons use the same rates: $65 for a 30-minute private lesson ($360 for six), $95 for a 50-minute private lesson ($540 for six) and $65 for a 50-minute group lesson ($360 for six). Steady Strides says it has never turned a rider away because of cost, and families who need help with lesson fees can call (520) 415-5800.
The Horses and Staff
Melanie Roeder, the program director and head trainer, co-founded the center. She is a PATH Intl. registered instructor and holds PATH Intl. Advanced certification. Executive director Lauren Schroeder is a PATH Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructor. See our guide to PATH Intl. for what these credentials mean.
Lesson horses include rescues, former racehorses and former trail-string horses. The center keeps one or two stalls for rescued horses, which staff, volunteers and clients help rehabilitate and train before they are adopted out to new homes.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with barn work, horse care, lessons, facility upkeep, events, fundraising and office tasks. To request a volunteer application, call (520) 415-5800 ext. 1 or email melanie@steadystridesriding.org.
Location
Steady Strides Riding Center is at 11350 E. Old Vail Road, Tucson, AZ 85747, a property the center bought as its permanent home. Through its Future Strides capital campaign, it is raising funds to improve the facility and make it accessible for riders with disabilities. Visits are by appointment only, and hours are Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mail goes to 8987 E. Tanque Verde Rd., Suite 309-389, Tucson, AZ 85749.
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 in adaptive lessons?
New students first meet with an instructor to make sure riding or ground activities are safe and a good fit. Approved riders then complete paperwork, which may include a signed physician's consent form.
How much do lessons cost?
A 30-minute private lesson is $65, a 50-minute private lesson is $95 and a 50-minute group lesson is $65, with discounts on packages of six. Families who need help with the cost can call (520) 415-5800.
How do I contact Steady Strides?
Call (520) 415-5800 or email melanie@steadystridesriding.org. Visits to the barn are by appointment.
Location
Tucson, Arizona 85747
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.