Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians (RIDE)
Silt, Colorado
The Riding Institute for Disabled Equestrians (RIDE) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Silt, Colorado. According to its website, it offers equine-assisted therapeutic programs and equine-facilitated mental health activities for children and adults with developmental, emotional, mental and physical challenges. It serves Garfield County.
- Equine-assisted therapeutic activities
- Equine-facilitated mental health activities
- Individual sessions
- Small and large group sessions
- Summer camp
- Spring and fall programs
- Team Empowerment instruction
- Sensory Trail ride
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with developmental or physical disabilities
- People with anxiety, autism, depression or PTSD
- Residents of the Rifle Veterans Home
- At-risk students in Garfield School District Re-2
More about this center
About the Program
RIDE says it serves riders with neurosensory conditions such as anxiety, autism, depression and PTSD, and physical conditions such as cerebral palsy, Parkinson's and Down syndrome.
Its Colorado Gives profile says it offers Rifle Veterans Home residents hands-on brushing, walking and riding sessions in the arena and on the trail. It also names Garfield School District Re-2 as a long-standing partner, teaching students considered at risk due to disability or trauma.
The Horses and Staff
The Stiers family has run RIDE since 1993, according to its website, after volunteering at REINS, a horse therapy program in California. Dee Stiers is listed as Executive Director and a CTRI instructor, and the site lists several other CTRI instructors. RIDE's Colorado Gives profile lists it as a member of PATH Intl.
Getting Started
To enroll, families download the Rider Enrollment Packet from the RIDE website, complete the forms, and have the rider's doctor fill out a Physician's Referral Form. Completed forms are brought to RIDE, and staff then contact the family to schedule a lesson. The site describes one-hour sessions and posts a 2026 lesson calendar.
Location
RIDE is located at 2804 County Rd 250, Silt, Colorado 81652, and lists Garfield County as its service area.
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 at RIDE?
Download the Rider Enrollment Packet from coloradoride.org, complete it, and have the rider's doctor complete the Physician's Referral Form. Bring the forms to RIDE and staff will contact you to schedule a lesson.
How much do sessions cost?
As listed on its website, small groups (4 to 18 participants) are $35 per participant per session and large groups (19 to 25 participants) are $45 per participant per session. Individual and special-needs group pricing is not published; call (970) 876-2987. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
How long is a session?
RIDE describes its sessions as one hour long. Dates are posted on its 2026 lesson calendar, or you can call to ask.
How do I contact RIDE?
Call Dee Stiers at (970) 876-2987 or email stie8@aol.com.
Location
Silt, Colorado 81652
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.