New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding, Inc.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding (NBTR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Bowling Green, Kentucky, that offers therapeutic riding lessons. Its website says it serves people with disabilities from age 5 through adulthood.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (45 minutes)
- Scholarships for riders who cannot pay
- Volunteer program (ages 14 and up)
- Junior Volunteer Program (ages 10 to 14)
- Leadership Program for businesses and groups
- Children age 5 and up
- Teens
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with mental and emotional disabilities
- People with behavioral disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, NBTR began in fall 1997 with three horses, three riders and one volunteer instructor, one day a week. It says it later added paid staff and certified instructors.
NBTR describes itself as a Premier Accredited Center through PATH Intl. and says it is one of four premier accredited centers in Kentucky and the only one west of Lexington. The site says its instructors are required to become PATH Intl. Certified Instructors.
Getting Started
Families start by submitting a Rider's Packet, posted on the website. The Program Director and Head Instructor review each packet, and every rider is evaluated before acceptance. Accepted riders are scheduled into a class or placed on a waiting list if classes are full.
The website lists a weight limit of generally 220 lbs, with some exceptions based on balance and horse availability. Classes usually run when the barn aisle temperature is between 40 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Volunteering
NBTR says volunteers need no horse experience. Volunteers must be at least 14 and commit one to two hours a week during the riding season; those who help in lessons should be able to walk for about an hour and jog occasionally. The website asks volunteers to bring a completed volunteer packet to an orientation.
Location
NBTR is located at 600B Bill Ferguson Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101. The office is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, according to its website.
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 lessons cost?
As listed on the website, classes are $40 per 45-minute session, paid on the lesson day. NBTR says the true cost is about $95, and riders who cannot pay may apply for a scholarship approved by the Board of Directors. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
What ages does NBTR accept?
The website says it accepts riders from 5 years old up to adults, with all disabilities accepted if there are no contraindications.
How do I contact NBTR?
Call (270) 777-3600 or email info@nbtr-bg.org.
Location
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
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.