Steps and Strides Equestrian Services, Inc.
Wilmore, Kentucky
Steps and Strides Equestrian Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wilmore, Kentucky. A 2023 Jessamine Journal article described it as an adaptive riding program for children and adults with disabilities, medical conditions and health issues. Its stated mission is to impact the lives of children and adults with disabilities with the healing nature of horses.
- Private one-on-one adaptive riding lessons
- Therapeutic riding and ground lessons
- Grooming and horsemanship activities
- Equine-facilitated mental health and learning activities
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with medical conditions and health issues
- Adolescents (equine-facilitated learning)
More about this center
About the Program
According to its GuideStar profile, the program offers therapeutic riding and ground lessons, along with equine-facilitated mental health and learning activities for adolescents. That profile lists bullying, drug addiction, ADHD, depression and foster care issues among the topics this work addresses.
In a December 2023 Jessamine Journal article, director Rita Nicholson said lessons are private and one-on-one. Some participants ride, while others groom the horses or learn horsemanship. At that time the program ran from spring through fall. To learn more about this type of lesson, see our guide to therapeutic riding.
The Horses and Staff
GuideStar lists Rita Nicholson as executive director and Sherry Sparks as board chair, with board information self-reported as of July 2025. The Jessamine Journal reported that the program relies on donations to care for its horses and to buy equipment. In 2023 it received $1,792 from the local Farm-to-Fork Dinner, which Nicholson and volunteers from the program helped run.
Location
The program is located at 3145 High Bridge Rd, Wilmore, KY 40390, in Jessamine County. No service area is stated in the sources reviewed.
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.
When are lessons offered?
A 2023 Jessamine Journal article said the program ran from spring through fall. No current schedule is published, so call (859) 519-0471 to ask about this season.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (859) 519-0471 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Do riders have to ride the horse?
No. The director has said some participants only groom the horses or learn horsemanship instead of riding.
Is Steps and Strides a nonprofit?
Yes. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer lists it as a 501(c)(3) organization with tax exemption granted in 2015.
Location
Wilmore, Kentucky 40390
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.