Walk On
Barrington, Illinois
Walk On, also known as Walk On Farm, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Barrington, Illinois. It offers therapeutic riding and carriage driving lessons for people with physical, cognitive, social and emotional disabilities. According to its website, riders and drivers can start at age 4, and there is no upper age limit.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Therapeutic carriage driving lessons
- Group visits with grooming and riding
- Equine-assisted learning (listed as coming soon)
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with social and emotional disabilities
- Community groups (past groups include Scout troops)
- Assisted living residents (through group visits)
More about this center
About the Program
Walk On says it was founded in 2006 by six women interested in equine-assisted services, and its first participants began riding in 2007. It is a PATH Intl. member center, and its website says its instructors are PATH certified.
Riding lessons are tailored to each participant's needs, and the website cites stronger muscles, better balance and coordination, and improved gait as results of riding. The driving program teaches participants to drive a horse and carriage, which the center suggests for people who cannot ride or who want to learn to drive. Walk On also runs group activities, such as meet-and-greets where groups groom and pet the horses.
Getting Started
Families start by completing the Participant Signup form on the Walk On website, which asks about programs of interest, height, weight and availability. A staff member then follows up to discuss next steps. Every participant is evaluated before admission, and goals are set for each person.
The Horses and Staff
The center lists a barn, arena and trails, along with an ADA accessible ramp, a lift and adapted mounting blocks. Its website lists ten horses, including Wilbur, the carriage horse for the driving program. Mary Illing is listed as Program Director and President, and Mary Rachel Taylor as Executive Director. Volunteers help with lessons, and the center says no horse experience is needed to volunteer.
Location
Walk On is located at 26665 W Cuba Rd in Barrington, Illinois, according to its GuideStar profile. Mail goes to P.O. Box 376, Barrington, IL 60011.
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.
What are the age and size requirements?
Riding and driving are open to ages 4 and up with no upper age limit. For riding, the weight limit is 175 lb and the height limit is 6 ft, and some medical conditions may rule out riding or driving.
How do I sign up?
Complete the Participant Signup form on the Walk On website. A team member will contact you, and each participant is evaluated before admission.
How much do lessons cost?
Call the office at (847) 381-4231 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs covers typical pricing.
Location
Barrington, Illinois 60010
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.