Jack Ready Imagination Park Equestrian Center (Little Riders)
Nipomo, California
The Jack Ready Imagination Park Equestrian Center in Nipomo, California, is run by Jack's Helping Hand, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Luis Obispo. The center is home to Little Riders, an adaptive horseback riding program for children and young adults ages 4 to 21 with physical and cognitive disabilities.
- Little Riders adaptive horseback riding
- Weekly therapeutic riding classes
- Lessons led by PATH Intl. registered instructors
- Horse sponsorship
- Children and young adults ages 4 to 21
- Children with physical disabilities
- Children with cognitive disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
According to the Jack's Helping Hand website, Little Riders classes take place weekly in Nipomo and are led by PATH Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructors with help from trained volunteers. The site says riding can help improve balance, strength and coordination.
SLO Horse News reported that most lesson time falls in the later afternoons and on weekends, since most riders are in school during the day.
History
Jack's Helping Hand was created in honor of Jack Ready, the youngest son of Paul and Bridget Ready. KSBY reported that the Nipomo equestrian center held its open house and ribbon cutting in October 2023. SLO Horse News reported that Little Riders began in Arroyo Grande in 2014, operated in San Luis Obispo from 2020, and was phasing its lessons into the new center at Jack Ready Imagination Park.
The Horses and Facility
The website lists a 12-stall barn, large and small arenas, two paddocks, a wash rack, a classroom and an accessible restroom on a bluff in Nipomo overlooking Santa Maria. It profiles four horses and invites donors to sponsor them. The site says the center will eventually be open to all ages for therapeutic riding.
Location
Riding takes place at the Equestrian Center at Imagination Park, 1811 Illinois Way, Nipomo, CA 93444. The Jack's Helping Hand office is at 710 Fiero Lane, Suite 16, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, with mail to PO Box 14718, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406.
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 does Little Riders cost?
The Little Riders page on the Jack's Helping Hand website says the program is funded by the organization and offered at no cost to families. An earlier SLO Horse News article described the first year of lessons as sponsored, with private pay after that, so confirm current terms with the office at (805) 547-1914.
Who can join?
The website says Little Riders is designed for children with physical and cognitive disabilities, ages 4 to 21.
How do I sign up?
Call the Jack's Helping Hand office at (805) 547-1914 to ask about openings.
Does the center offer hippotherapy?
The sources describe adaptive and therapeutic riding and do not mention hippotherapy.
Location
Nipomo, California 93444
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.