Location: Tampa, Florida, United States
Bakas Equestrian Center is a nonprofit equine-assisted services program in Tampa, Florida, that offers therapeutic horseback riding and related horse-based activities for children and adults with disabilities. The program is supported by Bakas Horses for Handicapped, Inc. and operates as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center with personalized, goal-based activities for riders ages 4 and older.
About This Program
Bakas Equestrian Center provides therapeutic horseback riding activities designed to support children and adults across a wide range of physical and cognitive disabilities. Riders take part in personalized, goal-based activities that may include Western and English equitation, trail course obstacles, trail riding, English and Western dressage, barrel racing, pole bending, lessons, camps, riding events, challenge shows, and Special Olympics opportunities.
The program also includes a strong volunteer component, with volunteers helping care for horses, assist riders during lessons, and support day-to-day barn operations. Riding sessions are typically scheduled in monthly blocks, with riders attending one 30-minute lesson per week during each session.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Recreational riding
- Riding lessons
- Camps
- Special Olympics participation
- Riding events and challenge shows
- Trail riding
- English and Western equitation
- English and Western dressage
- Barrel racing
- Pole bending
Who They Serve
Bakas Equestrian Center may be a good fit for:
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- Riders ages 4 and older
- Individuals with cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental delays
- Riders with severe or profound disabilities
- Participants interested in therapeutic horseback riding and adapted equestrian activities
Facility and Setting
Bakas Equestrian Center operates at 11510 Whisper Lake Trail in Tampa, Florida. The center is run through Hillsborough County and offers lessons Tuesday through Saturday, with a dedicated equine setting for therapeutic riding and volunteer-supported programming.
- Tampa, Florida location
- 11510 Whisper Lake Trail
- PATH Intl. Premier Accredited center
- Hillsborough County program site
- Volunteer-supported equestrian center
- Riding sessions scheduled in recurring lesson blocks
What Makes Them Unique
Bakas Equestrian Center stands out for combining therapeutic riding with a broad range of adaptive equestrian activities, including camps, riding events, Special Olympics participation, and challenge shows. The program also offers a wide mix of riding disciplines, which gives riders more opportunities to build skills and participate in different types of horse-based experiences.
The center is also supported by Bakas Horses for Handicapped, Inc., a nonprofit created specifically to provide financial support for the program’s horses, riders, and operations. That structure helps sustain the program while keeping the focus on therapeutic riding services for the local disability community.