Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding Inc
Rockford, Michigan
Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Rockford, Michigan, established in 1990. Its mission is to improve quality of life through equine-based therapy for people with physical, mental or social and emotional challenges. The center says it serves over 200 people aged 2 to 100 each week.
- Therapeutic riding
- Adaptive carriage driving
- Horses for Heroes (veterans and military)
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Equine Program
- Equine-assisted reading and literacy
- Sensory riding trail
- Vocational and job training
- Horsemanship day camp
- Children and adults with physical disabilities
- People with mental or social-emotional challenges
- Veterans and active military members
- Deaf and hard of hearing participants
- Seniors
More about this center
About the Program
The center says it provides 12 specialized equine-assisted programs. In therapeutic riding, lessons use a variety of riding positions, saddles and adaptive equipment, and instructors build lesson plans with input from riders, parents or guardians, teachers and therapists. Classes run year-round, riders typically have one lesson per week, and one to four volunteers may assist each rider.
Horses for Heroes is described as a program for veterans and active military members, using mounted and unmounted activities. Other programs listed include Senior Saturdays, Horses as Healers and PATH Intl. instructor training. The website does not list hippotherapy.
The Horses and Staff
The staff page lists Kathy Ryan as executive director, along with several PATH Intl. Certified Instructors. The website displays a PATH Intl. member logo but does not state an accreditation level. The homepage says the center has 34 therapy horses.
History
According to its history page, Equest started therapy classes in 1991 with 16 riders and 5 horses on 7 acres. It later added a heated indoor arena so classes could be held year-round, a mile-long sensory trail, an adaptive carriage driving barn and a covered outdoor riding arena.
Location
Equest is located at 3777 Rector Ave. NE, Rockford, MI 49341. The center says it owns its ADA-accessible facilities and grounds.
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 do I sign up?
The website directs families to its contact page or to the Client Program Coordinator. You can also call (616) 866-3066.
How much do lessons cost?
The website lists $40 for a 30-minute therapeutic riding lesson and $55 for a 60-minute lesson. It says scholarships ranging from partial to full assistance are available. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Are classes held in winter?
Yes. Classes run year-round, and the history page says the heated indoor arena allows this. Classes are canceled for inclement weather, thunder and lightning, or when Rockford Public Schools close for winter weather, with notices on Facebook and the main phone line.
Location
Rockford, Michigan 49341
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.