M.A.R.E. Riding Center
Bakersfield, California
M.A.R.E. Riding Center (Mastering Abilities Riding Equines) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Bakersfield, California, founded in 1990. It provides equine-assisted services including adaptive riding, hippotherapy and veterans programs. The center says it serves children, adults and veterans with special needs and disabilities in Kern County.
- Adaptive sport horsemanship (riding and groundwork)
- Hippotherapy with licensed health professionals
- Stable Forces program for veterans and first responders
- Camp Bliss (unmounted program for female veterans and frontline workers)
- Equine simulator program
- Summer horse camp (ages 4 to 17)
- Children with special needs (age 4 and up)
- Adults with disabilities
- Veterans
- First responders
- Kern Regional Center clients
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, M.A.R.E. began in 1990 and is a member center in good standing with PATH Intl., following its accreditation safety standards. Adaptive riding lessons are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors.
The center lists hippotherapy led by licensed health professionals trained through the American Hippotherapy Association, who use the horse's movement to work on physical, cognitive and communication goals. It added an equine simulator program in 2024.
Veterans and First Responders
Stable Forces teaches veterans riding and horsemanship skills, with individual goals for each participant and group lessons for camaraderie. The website says each veteran participant receives the service at no cost through the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust. Camp Bliss is an unmounted program focused on mental health for female veterans and frontline workers.
Getting Started
New riders review the eligibility guidelines, complete the application forms and submit a physician's form. The minimum age is 4. Weight limits are listed as 250 lbs for a balanced rider without a sidewalker and 180 lbs for a rider who needs sidewalker support. The center keeps a 2026 waitlist sign-up on its site.
Location
M.A.R.E. Riding Center is at 18200 Johnson Road, Bakersfield, CA 93314 (mailing address: P.O. Box 21916, Bakersfield, CA 93390). It serves Kern County.
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 much do lessons cost?
The center says sessions run monthly, fees are billed in advance, and riders pay about 36% of the actual lesson cost thanks to donors and grants. Call (661) 589-1877 for current rates; see also equine therapy costs.
Is financial help available?
Yes. The center awards scholarships each year, depending on available funding, and it is an approved Kern Regional Center service provider, subject to KRC approval.
Does the center run all year?
The fees page says the program runs year-round in monthly sessions that average four weeks, varying with holidays and season. The center also lists a summer horse camp for ages 4 to 17.
How do I contact M.A.R.E.?
Call the office at (661) 589-1877 or email info@mareridingcenter.com.
Location
Bakersfield, California 93314
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.