Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa
Cottondale, Alabama
Therapeutic Riding of Tuscaloosa, known as TROT, is an equine program on a farm in Cottondale, Alabama, near Tuscaloosa. It offers adaptive therapeutic riding for people of all ages with disabilities, along with riding lessons and a weekly mentoring program for children in foster care.
- Therapeutic riding
- Riding lessons for all ages and experience levels
- Competition team for regional horse shows
- Stable Moments mentoring for children in foster care
- Riding in a cart or on a riding simulator
- Facility use for group events and team-building
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy or spinal cord injuries
- People with balance and mobility limitations
- People with developmental delays
- People living with chronic pain
- People with anxiety, depression or PTSD
- Children in foster care
More about this center
About the Program
TROT's therapeutic riding program is adaptive horseback riding tailored to each rider. Riders work on strength, balance, motor skills, focus and confidence. Riders can take part on horseback, in a cart or on a riding simulator.
Regular riding lessons are open to riders of all ages and experience levels and cover riding, horse care, safety and sportsmanship across several disciplines. The instructors have competed at collegiate and national levels, and a competition team travels to horse shows and events around the region.
Stable Moments is a weekly mentoring program for children in foster care, who learn horsemanship and help with grooming, leading, feeding and caring for the horses alongside adult mentors. TROT first opened its doors in 1998.
The Horses and Staff
Melanie Scogin Williams is TROT's founder. Dr. Marguerite Malone brings experience in healthcare and disability services, and Lori Neal Epperson brings experience in equine-assisted therapy. Zoe Mann, Ginny Goodliffe and Arden May are instructors, and John Mann manages the barn, arenas and horses.
Horses in the herd include Gremlin, Tuff, Patches, Lucy, Moon, Molly and Thunder.
Volunteering
Volunteers lead horses, work as side walkers beside riders, help around the barn and support events. Volunteers must be at least 14 and able to commit to scheduled shifts. No horse experience is needed, and TROT provides training. Volunteers apply online through the TROT website.
Location
TROT is at 3200 Clements Rd in Cottondale, Alabama, a short drive east of Tuscaloosa. The farm has a barn and riding arenas.
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 therapeutic riding at TROT?
Use the contact form on the TROT website and choose the program you are interested in.
What ages does TROT serve?
Therapeutic riding and riding lessons are open to riders of all ages. Stable Moments is for children in foster care.
How much do lessons cost?
Contact TROT through the contact form on its website to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains what affects pricing.
Can I volunteer without horse experience?
Yes. Volunteers need to be at least 14, and TROT provides the training.
Location
Cottondale, Alabama 35453
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.