Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center
Citra, Florida
Stirrups 'n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at Hi-Time Farm in Citra, Florida, between Ocala and Gainesville. It offers therapeutic riding, carriage driving, horse show competition and Special Olympics training for children, adults and veterans with disabilities and other physical, mental or emotional challenges.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Group and individual riding lessons
- Carriage driving
- Horse show competition
- Special Olympics equestrian training
- Stirrups 'n Stripes veterans program
- Occupational therapy with hippotherapy (Therapy on Hooves)
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, mental or emotional challenges
- People with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics)
- Veterans
- Active-duty military
More about this center
About the Program
The center says it is a PATH International member and that all of its instructors are PATH certified. It offers group and individual lessons, and the website says some riders work toward the Exceptional Challenge Cup Finals in Kansas City. It also describes itself as a certified Special Olympics training facility.
The Stirrups 'n Stripes program, developed with Veterans Helping Veterans, serves veterans and active-duty military personnel with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Learn more about equine therapy for veterans.
Through its Therapy on Hooves program, the website lists occupational therapy in clinic and nature-based settings, led by Cara Gilison, OTD, OTR/L, who incorporates hippotherapy as part of treatment rather than as a standalone service.
History
According to its website, founder and executive director Betty Gray helped create the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association in 1983 and served as its executive director from 1997 to 2006. She and her late husband, Wayne Gray, then opened Stirrups 'n Strides on their Citra farm in January 2007. The About page profiles 22 horses and 3 donkeys.
Volunteering
Volunteer roles listed include side walking, leading horses, horse and tack care, carriage driving, horse shows, the veterans program, facility maintenance, office work and fundraising events. Occasional or regular volunteers are welcome. The site has an online interest form, and the volunteer coordinator is at 352-817-6446.
Location
The center is at Hi-Time Farm in Citra, Florida. Its website gives directions as 4 miles east of I-75 (Exit 368), or 1 mile east of US 441 on CR 318.
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 for riding lessons?
The website asks families to email ExecDir@stirrupsnstrides.com or call or text. The office number is (352) 591-1042 and the cell is (352) 427-3569.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (352) 591-1042 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
How do I start Therapy on Hooves occupational therapy?
The program page says to contact Cara Gilison at 904-540-5853 or therapyonhooves@gmail.com.
Location
Citra, Florida 32113
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.