Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast
Vero Beach, Florida
Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast (SETC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Vero Beach, Florida, that says it has served the community since 1992. It offers adaptive riding and other equine-assisted programs for children and adults with disabilities. Its website says it will never turn away a potential student because of cost.
- Adaptive riding
- Horsemanship
- Dementia support program
- Horse-themed reading program
- Ride Beyond Diagnosis for women cancer survivors
- Children and adults with disabilities or special needs
- Riders age 4 and older
- Adults with dementia
- Women cancer survivors
- First grade students at Dodgertown Elementary
More about this center
About the Program
SETC describes itself as a Center Member of PATH Intl. and says all classes are taught by PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructors. According to its website, the riding season runs September through May in three 10-week sessions, and each rider gets a lesson plan built around their needs, with horsemanship included.
Beyond therapeutic riding, SETC lists a dementia support program where adults with dementia spend time with horses, and Ride Beyond Diagnosis, which it describes as a therapeutic outlet for women cancer survivors. Its horse-themed reading program serves first grade students at Dodgertown Elementary and is funded by a grant from Grand Harbor Outreach Program, Inc., according to the website.
The Horses and Staff
The website lists Karen Johnson as executive director (CTRI), along with an administrative assistant and two barn and horse care staff. A December 2024 Sebastian Daily article reported that SETC had been gifted property in Fellsmere and was raising funds to develop it, and the SETC website describes plans for a potential new home with a covered arena.
Location
SETC is based in Vero Beach in Indian River County, Florida. Its mailing address is PO Box 651312, Vero Beach, FL 32965. Call (772) 562-7603 to confirm the current riding location.
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 sign up for adaptive riding?
The website posts a 2026-27 application and handbook on its Become a Rider page. Riders must be at least 4 years old.
How much do lessons cost?
SETC says it never turns away a potential student because of cost; call (772) 562-7603 to ask. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are lessons held?
According to its website, the riding season runs September through May in three 10-week sessions.
How do I contact SETC?
Call (772) 562-7603 or email SpecialEquestriansTC@gmail.com.
Location
Vero Beach, Florida 32966
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.