Equi-Ed
Santa Rosa, California
Equi-Ed is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Santa Rosa, California. Its website says it began in 1993 and serves Sonoma and Napa counties. It runs therapeutic riding lessons, a vocational program for students with IEPs and Barn Academy day camps. Its programs serve children and adults with disabilities, and its camps are open to riders with and without disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- PATHWAYS vocational program (barn and horse care skills)
- Barn Academy day camps
- Consultation with therapists and special education specialists, arranged as needed
- Volunteer program, including junior volunteers
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Students with IEPs
- Children with and without disabilities (Barn Academy, ages 5 and up)
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Equi-Ed began in 1993 as part of the Special Education Department of Santa Rosa City Schools. Founder Maxine Freitas served as executive director and head instructor. The website says she died in April 2024.
Riding lessons run in 6 and 8 week sessions on Monday mornings, Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings. The site lists conditions that can benefit, including autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and PTSD and anxiety disorders. Lead instructor Tatiana Dowell is listed as a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor. Equi-Ed says it can arrange consultations with occupational, physical and speech therapists, but it does not list hippotherapy.
Getting Started
New riders complete a New Student Packet and a Physician Packet, then schedule a visit to meet staff and tour the facility before the first lesson. PATHWAYS families fill out an online interest form, and staff meet each student and review a recent IEP before accepting them.
Call (707) 546-7737 to ask about current rates. Barn Academy is listed at $425 per camper, with a $50 non-refundable deposit. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Equi-Ed's published address, 1535 Farmer's Lane #217, Santa Rosa, CA 95405, is listed as a mailing address. The website does not give a street address for the barn. An undated Idealist profile places the program in northern Santa Rosa, near Safari West. Contact the office for directions.
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 riding lessons at Equi-Ed?
Download and complete the New Student Packet and Physician Packet from the website, then email them to info@equied.org or mail them to the Farmer's Lane address. Staff then schedule a visit and facility tour before the first lesson.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (707) 546-7737 to ask about current rates. Barn Academy camps are listed at $425 per camper.
When are lessons held?
The website lists lessons on Monday mornings, Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings, in five sessions in 2026. Staff may adjust dates.
Location
Santa Rosa, California 95405
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.