Location: Tulare, California, United States
Happy Trails Riding Academy is a PATH International Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center based in Tulare, California. The program provides equine-assisted services designed to support children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities through structured horsemanship and horse-centered learning experiences. It focuses on improving independence, confidence, balance, communication, and overall quality of life through guided interaction with horses in a safe and supportive environment.
The program serves participants with a wide range of diagnoses, including autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, ADHD, PTSD, and other developmental or physical challenges. Services are delivered by trained PATH International–certified instructors and supported by a strong volunteer network and well-trained therapy horses.
About This Program
Happy Trails Riding Academy offers structured equine-assisted services where participants engage in therapeutic riding and horsemanship activities tailored to their individual needs. Sessions are designed to build physical strength, coordination, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and social skills through consistent interaction with horses.
The program also includes specialized services such as equine-facilitated psychotherapy and veteran-focused equine programs, expanding its reach beyond traditional riding therapy into mental health and rehabilitation support.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)
- Equine services for veterans (Equine Services for Heroes)
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Grooming, tacking, and horse handling
- Groundwork and horse interaction training
- Volunteer-supported riding programs
Who They Serve
Happy Trails Riding Academy may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with PTSD or trauma-related conditions
- Individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges
Facility and Setting
The program operates in Tulare, California, within a purpose-built therapeutic equestrian facility that includes riding arenas, barns, and specialized training areas. The environment is designed to be safe, structured, and supportive, with upgraded facilities including a covered arena and sensory-focused riding areas.
The rural Central Valley setting allows for consistent year-round programming and provides space for both indoor and outdoor equine-assisted activities. Horses are carefully selected and trained specifically for therapeutic work, ensuring safety and reliability for participants of all ability levels.
What Makes Them Unique
Happy Trails Riding Academy stands out as one of the only PATH International Premier Accredited centers in California’s San Joaquin Valley region, giving it strong regional importance and credibility in therapeutic horsemanship services.
Its combination of therapeutic riding, psychotherapy integration, and veteran-focused programming makes it a comprehensive equine-assisted services provider. The addition of specialized facilities like a covered arena and sensory trail further enhances its ability to deliver structured and accessible therapy year-round.