Sunshine Ranch Therapeutic Riding
Lakeside, California
Sunshine Ranch Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at Heartland Ranch Equestrian Center in Lakeside, California, in San Diego County. It offers individualized, goal-based therapeutic riding and horsemanship lessons. Its website says it serves children and adults with special needs, ages 3 and up.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Therapeutic horsemanship instruction
- Individualized, goal-based lesson plans
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- Riders ages 3 and up
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Sunshine Ranch has served students since April 2012 and aims to provide accessible therapeutic horsemanship instruction that supports physical, cognitive and social abilities. Lessons are therapeutic riding sessions built around each student's goals.
A January 2024 ABC 10News San Diego report said lessons vary by student; for one rider they included preparing the horse, riding and cleaning up afterward. The program does not list hippotherapy.
The Horses and Staff
The website names Stephanie Tutschulte as founder and director and says she is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. It describes Sunshine Ranch as a PATH Intl. Center Member; it does not claim accredited center status.
The program relies heavily on volunteers for horse care, lesson assistance and ranch chores, and a volunteer form is posted on the website. A 2016 East County Californian article described it as a largely volunteer-run organization.
Location
According to its website, Sunshine Ranch boards and operates at Heartland Ranch Equestrian Center in Lakeside, in East San Diego County. Heartland Ranch is at 12139 Moreno Ave, Lakeside, CA 92040. The program's mailing address is P.O. Box 1056, Lakeside, CA 92040.
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 a new rider?
The website posts a new student form to download. You can also call (619) 204-2637 or email sunshineranchriding@gmail.com to ask about openings.
What ages does Sunshine Ranch serve?
The website says it serves children and adults with special needs, ages 3 and up.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (619) 204-2637 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Lakeside, California 92040
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.