Location: LaPlace (Greater New Orleans area), Louisiana, United States
Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization serving children and adults with disabilities across the Greater New Orleans region. The center provides therapeutic horseback riding and horse-centered activities designed to improve physical strength, emotional regulation, confidence, communication, and overall quality of life through structured interaction with horses.
Established in 1993, the program operates as a PATH International member center, reflecting its commitment to recognized standards in therapeutic horsemanship and safe, professional equine-assisted services. It serves individuals from multiple parishes in Southeast Louisiana and is supported by a community of staff, volunteers, and therapy horses.
About This Program
Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. offers equine-assisted activities and therapeutic riding designed to support individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive, emotional, and developmental disabilities. The program uses horse-assisted learning to help participants build balance, coordination, focus, and self-confidence.
Sessions are structured and participant-focused, with an emphasis on steady progress in a safe and supportive environment. The therapeutic model incorporates both riding and ground-based horsemanship activities, allowing participants to engage with horses in multiple meaningful ways.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Equine-assisted activities and therapy
- Adaptive horsemanship instruction
- Hippotherapy-informed activities (therapeutic movement-based riding support)
- Volunteer-supported riding programs
- Horse care and groundwork experiences
- Community-based equine learning opportunities
Who They Serve
Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Individuals with physical disabilities
- Individuals with developmental or cognitive disabilities
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Participants with emotional or behavioral challenges
- Veterans or individuals benefiting from equine-assisted therapy
Facility and Setting
The program is based in the LaPlace area of Louisiana within the Greater New Orleans region. The facility is a working equine environment designed specifically for therapeutic use, with dedicated spaces for riding lessons, mounted activities, and volunteer-supported sessions.
The setting emphasizes safety, accessibility, and consistency. It provides a structured yet welcoming atmosphere where participants can engage with horses in a calm, supervised environment focused on therapeutic outcomes and personal growth.
What Makes Them Unique
Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. stands out for its long-standing presence in the Louisiana equine therapy community and its PATH International affiliation, which reinforces its professional standards in therapeutic horsemanship.
Its regional reach across multiple parishes and strong volunteer involvement help support a wide range of participants. The program’s focus on both physical and emotional development through horse-assisted activities makes it a comprehensive equine therapy resource in Southeast Louisiana.
