Little Britches Therapeutic Riding
Roxbury, Connecticut
Little Britches Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Roxbury, Connecticut that provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities. According to its website, it was founded in 1979 and draws riders from towns across Litchfield, Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties.
- Therapeutic horseback riding lessons
- Equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT)
- Para-equestrian program
- Weekly 45-minute lessons
- Indoor sessions at Shepaug Valley School
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders with physical or visual impairments (para-equestrian)
- Families in Litchfield, Fairfield, New Haven and Hartford Counties
More about this center
About the Program
Little Britches says its program runs from March through December. Riders take weekly 45-minute lessons, outdoors at Tophet Road Farm in Roxbury and, later in the season, indoors at the Equine Center of the Shepaug Agriscience Academy at Shepaug Valley School in Washington, CT.
The center also lists a para-equestrian program for riders with a classifiable physical or visual impairment. Its 2026 figures report 101 riders, 60 volunteers and riders from 27 surrounding towns.
The Horses and Staff
The website says all of its instructors are certified through PATH Intl., and that the team includes four certified instructors, one occupational therapist and two physical therapists, who work with more physically involved riders. Little Britches describes itself as a PATH Intl. Member Center and lists memberships in the American Hippotherapy Association and HETI.
Volunteering
Volunteers lead horses, sidewalk beside riders, set up for lessons, and groom and tack horses. The center says no experience is necessary and that lessons run about three hours per session. Local high school students, home-schooled students and retirees all volunteer.
Location
The outdoor program is at Tophet Road Farm, 30 Tophet Rd, Roxbury, CT 06783. Indoor sessions are held at Shepaug Valley School in Washington, CT. Mail goes to P.O. Box 120, Woodbury, CT 06798.
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 Join Us page on the center's website lists rider forms, including medical, therapist and registration and release forms. For openings and next steps, call (860) 874-9352 or email littlebritchesct@gmail.com.
How much do lessons cost?
The center says it relies on donors to help offset costs for families, so call (860) 874-9352 to ask. For typical price ranges, see our guide to equine therapy costs.
When does the program run?
Lessons run from March through December. The 2026 schedule lists a fall session at Tophet Road Farm from 9/8 to 11/1, an extended fall session at Shepaug from 11/2 to 12/11, and a winter break starting December 12.
Do volunteers need horse experience?
No. The center says no experience is necessary, and volunteer registration forms are posted on its website.
Location
Roxbury, Connecticut 06783
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.