Stable Hands
Yreka, California
Stable Hands is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Yreka, California, that teaches adaptive horseback riding to people with physical, mental and emotional challenges. Its website says it is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center and that it also runs Horses helping Heroes, a program for military veterans and service members.
- Adaptive horsemanship (therapeutic riding) lessons
- Unmounted horsemanship: grooming, saddling, leading
- Small group riding lessons
- Horses helping Heroes veteran program
- Volunteer training
- Horse sponsorship
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with physical, mental or emotional challenges
- Military veterans and service members
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Stable Hands was formed in 1996. Lessons take place at an outdoor facility on private property, taught by certified therapeutic riding instructors with help from trained volunteers. Riders groom, saddle and lead their horses and do ground warm-ups before riding in small groups. Some ride independently, while others have a horse leader and two sidewalkers.
The site lists two 8-week sessions in spring and fall and a 6-week summer session. Horses helping Heroes, running since 2009, offers three 8-week sessions a year with mounted and unmounted work and an emphasis on peer support. Veteran riders ride free. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Getting Started
Families download a participant application packet and have a physician or professional caregiver complete a Physicians Statement. Only complete packets are processed. A PATH certified instructor then schedules a rider evaluation to set horse and volunteer assignments, and the rider is given a ride day and time. Veterans use a separate application packet.
Volunteering
The website says Stable Hands trains volunteers each year and asks them to commit at least a half day per week. A volunteer form is available on its site.
Location
The Stable Hands office is at 1011 Fourth Street, Suite 3, Yreka, CA 96097, open Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1852, Yreka, CA 96097. Lessons are held at an outdoor facility on private property; contact the program for directions. GuideStar lists its service area as Yreka and Siskiyou County, plus Klamath Falls and Medford, Oregon.
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 the website, spring and fall sessions are $320 for 8 weekly lessons and the summer session is $240 for 6 weekly lessons. The site mentions financial assistance, and veteran riders ride at no cost. Call to confirm current fees and session dates.
How do I enroll?
Complete the participant application packet and a Physicians Statement, then return them by drop-off, mail or email. An instructor evaluation follows before a ride time is assigned.
Does Stable Hands offer hippotherapy?
The website describes adaptive horsemanship and therapeutic riding lessons and does not mention hippotherapy.
How do I contact Stable Hands?
Call (530) 842-3082 (on-site cell (530) 598-5435) or email info@stablehands.org. Office hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Location
Yreka, California 96097
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.