Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center
Poway, California
Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center (RAD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Poway, California, that teaches recreational horseback riding to children and adults with disabilities. According to its website, instructors teach weekly private and group lessons, with extended lessons available, for students aged 4 and up.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (30 minutes)
- Group lessons (40 minutes)
- Extended lessons with ground skills (45 minutes)
- Groundwork before or after lessons
- Lessons for interested siblings and parents
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders aged 4 and up
- People with autism
- People with cerebral palsy
- People with ADHD
- People with traumatic brain injury or stroke
- People with multiple sclerosis
- Families of riders
More about this center
About the Program
RAD says each rider gets an individually planned weekly lesson built around their own goals, using a team approach and a matched horse. Its About page lists students from age 4 to 102 with physical, emotional, social or behavioral disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, brain injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis.
The center describes itself as a place for family and community, and siblings and parents can also take lessons. Lessons are recreational therapeutic riding; the site does not list hippotherapy.
The Horses and Staff
The Our Horses page profiles 19 horses, including Thoroughbreds (seven described as former racehorses), Fjords and Fjord crosses, Quarter Ponies and a draft cross. The staff page lists co-founder and executive director Allie Sarnataro and co-founder and equine director Katie Cram, both described as PATH Intl. certified instructors and PATH mentors, along with a team of instructors.
Getting Started
According to the Lessons page, anyone can ride once they complete a physician's release and RAD enrollment forms. New riders start with 30-minute lessons, which RAD uses to evaluate each rider. Group placement follows about a month in the program and depends on schedule and fit.
Volunteers can help with lessons, horse care or the office. The Help page says volunteers "need to be 14 years old to volunteer and 16 years old to be in lessons."
Location
RAD operates at Rolling Hills Boarding Stable, 15529 Sycamore Canyon Rd, Poway, CA 92064, and says it serves the San Diego community.
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?
As listed on its website, lessons are billed monthly: $230 for weekly 30-minute lessons, $205 for 40-minute group lessons and $265 for 45-minute extended lessons. See our guide to equine therapy costs for context.
What is needed to enroll?
A completed physician's release and RAD enrollment forms. Contact 858-209-5662 or allie@radtrc.org to ask about openings.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The website says volunteers must be at least 14, and 16 to be in lessons. Contact Allie Sarnataro at 858-209-5662 or use the form on the RAD website.
Location
Poway, California 92064
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.