Exceptional Riders Program
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Exceptional Riders Program is a nonprofit in northern Michigan that teaches horseback riding to people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. According to its website, it was formed in 1983 and holds its classes at Rising Hope Equestrian Center in Harbor Springs. The program says students participate free of charge.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Horsemanship instruction, including grooming and tacking
- Mounted exercises and games
- Spring and fall evening sessions
- Children and adults with special needs
- Riders with physical disabilities
- Riders with cognitive disabilities
- Riders with emotional support needs
- Families in Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties
More about this center
About the Program
The program says students are taught riding skills, not just given a pony ride, with goals set for each individual according to their needs, experience and ability. It describes each one-hour lesson as mounted exercise, games and riding instruction, and its website mentions learning to groom and tack a horse. Photos on the site show riders working with a volunteer leader and sidewalkers. Read more about therapeutic riding.
Its website lists spring and fall sessions held on Thursday evenings, with two one-hour classes per night starting at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Each session has a posted registration deadline, student orientation and volunteer training.
The Horses and Staff
The program says Rising Hope Equestrian Center, where lessons take place, donates the use of its horses. According to its website, its instructors are PATH certified, and the program describes itself as accredited through PATH Intl. Barbara Lane is listed as founder, president and riding instructor, and Mary Lee as an instructor and volunteer coordinator.
Volunteering
Local news coverage by 9&10 News describes the program as entirely volunteer-run. Its website says no horse experience is needed to help. To volunteer, contact Mary Lee at (231) 883-1221 or submit your details through the program's Get Involved page.
Location
Classes are held at Rising Hope Equestrian Center, 2787 Quick Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740. The program's mailing address is PO Box 292, Petoskey, MI 49770. It says it serves Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties.
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?
The program says students participate free of charge. It relies on volunteers and on Rising Hope's support.
How do I enroll a rider?
Call the program at (231) 487-8211. Each spring and fall session has a registration deadline listed on its Schedules page, followed by a student orientation.
When are classes held?
According to its website, classes run on Thursday evenings during spring and fall sessions, with one-hour classes at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
Who can ride?
The program says it serves riders of all ages with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities. Specific eligibility requirements are not published, so call to ask.
Location
Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740
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.