Tara’s Chance
Fullerton, California
Tara's Chance is a nonprofit equine therapy center at 219 E. Claire Ave. in Fullerton, California. Its website lists three programs: Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Riding and Equine Assisted Learning. It serves people with special needs and disabilities, mainly children.
- Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT)
- Equine Assisted Riding (EAR)
- Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
- Horsemanship and horse care instruction
- Children with developmental disabilities
- People with special needs and disabilities
- Preteens and adolescents
- Adults
- Economically disadvantaged families
More about this center
About the Program
Tara's Chance says its mission is to promote the physical, cognitive and social well-being of people with special needs. Its website describes therapeutic riding as using equine-assisted activities to support the cognitive, emotional and physical wellness of people with disabilities.
According to its GuideStar profile, Equine Assisted Therapy sessions are 30 minutes each week and include vaulting (gymnastic movements on a moving horse). Equine Assisted Riding teaches horsemanship, riding and horse care in 30-minute or one-hour sessions. The center does not say it offers hippotherapy.
The Horses and Staff
A November 2024 Fullerton Observer article reported about 100 riders each week, about a dozen horses, ponies and burros, and about 45 volunteers who act as safety spotters. A small full-time team handles therapy, events and horse care. GuideStar lists Matthew Howells as executive director.
History
The Fullerton Observer reports that Tara's Chance began in 2012. In 2025 the organization bought the Claire Avenue ranch where it operates, which the paper said secures a permanent home for its programs. A ribbon-cutting was held there on May 3, 2025.
Location
Tara's Chance is at 219 E. Claire Ave., Fullerton, CA 92835, in north Orange County. Its GuideStar profile lists a service area of Fullerton and Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
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 rider?
The Programs page on taraschance.org links to an enrollment page for each program. The Fullerton Observer reported a waitlist of nearly 100 children in April 2025, so contact the office early at (714) 230-6247 or office@taraschance.org.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (714) 230-6247 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The website has a volunteer page and an open house and orientation page, and the Fullerton Observer reported that volunteers serve as safety spotters during lessons.
Location
Fullerton, California 92835
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.