Ride for Joy Therapeutic Riding Program
Caldwell, Idaho
Ride for Joy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit adaptive horsemanship center in Caldwell, Idaho. It offers adaptive riding lessons, a barn skills program, and no-cost horsemanship for veterans and foster youth.
- Adaptive riding lessons
- Barn Pals (horse care skills)
- Veterans horsemanship
- Veterans and military family day
- Bonding Bridles for foster youth
- All-abilities camp
- Equine experiences for groups
- One-time rides
- Children and adults with disabilities
- People with a mental health diagnosis
- Veterans and military personnel
- Military families
- Foster youth ages 11-14 with a trusted adult
- Individuals facing terminal illness
More about this center
About the Program
Ride for Joy says it has offered adaptive riding in southwestern Idaho since the 1990s, received 501(c)(3) status in 2007, and began serving veterans and military personnel in 2014. Its website describes it as one of two PATH Intl. accredited centers in Idaho and the only PATH Intl. affiliated center in the Treasure Valley.
Lessons are taught by PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors or instructors in training. The site lists accessible facilities and adaptive equipment, including a wheelchair lift.
Getting Started
New riders complete a participant application, have a healthcare provider fill out a medical release form, and review the participant handbook. Adaptive riding requires a disability or mental health diagnosis from a credentialed professional, a weight of 200 lbs or less, and the ability to sit upright astride the horse and hold head and neck position without help.
According to the website, adaptive riding runs in four- and eight-week sessions through the year, with 40-minute lessons in groups of typically 2-3 riders.
Veterans and Foster Youth
Veterans Horsemanship is free to veterans and military personnel, with groundwork or riding in 75-minute weekly classes on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings, according to the website. Bonding Bridles pairs foster youth ages 11-14 with a trusted adult for three free one-hour sessions: two of groundwork and one of riding for the youth. Learn more about equine therapy for veterans.
Location
Ride for Joy is at 28379 El Paso Rd., Caldwell, ID 83607, in Idaho's Treasure Valley.
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 do adaptive riding lessons cost?
As listed on its website, adaptive riding is $120 for four weeks or $240 for eight, plus a $25 new rider evaluation. Barn Pals is $60 for six weeks, and limited scholarships are available.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes. The website says the lesson waitlist is currently a year or more out.
What is the minimum age?
Adaptive riding is for ages 4 and up, and Barn Pals is for ages 8 and up.
How do I contact Ride for Joy?
Call (208) 454-8894 or email info@rideforjoy.org.
Location
Caldwell, Idaho 83607
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.