RideAbility
Pine Island, Minnesota
RideAbility is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities and their families. Classes take place at Promised Meadows Farm, between Pine Island and Byron in southeastern Minnesota. Its fact sheet says it was founded in 1997 and that more than 100 students register for lessons each year.
- Group therapeutic riding lessons (four 5-week sessions a year)
- Private and semi-private lessons for members
- Grooming Room evenings with the horses
- One-time visits for community groups
- Student horse show and community events
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with mental and emotional disabilities
- Families of riders
- Community groups
More about this center
About the Program
RideAbility runs four registered group sessions a year. Each lasts five weeks, with about an hour of riding each week, mostly on Monday or Tuesday evenings. According to its website, the spring and fall sessions focus on adults, and the two summer sessions focus on children and their families. Students usually ride in one five-week session a year.
Members can also book private or semi-private lessons through the year, based on instructor availability. Community groups can arrange one- to four-hour visits that include meeting the horses, ground games and grooming, and visits usually end with a chance to ride. The events calendar also lists Thursday evening Grooming Room time, a student horse show and fundraising events.
The Horses and Staff
The fact sheet says RideAbility is run by a volunteer staff, and the program page says its volunteers include riding instructors and physical therapists. The fee page says all lessons are supervised by PATH Intl. certified instructors. Jeanie Michelizzi is listed as executive director. RideAbility describes itself as a PATH Intl. member center.
Volunteering
No experience is needed. Volunteers can pre-register online and attend a training evening before the session they help with, and the website posts current training dates. Parents and older siblings are encouraged to volunteer as sidewalkers.
Location
Lessons are held at Promised Meadows Farm, 10038 County Road 5 NW, Pine Island, MN 55963, about 3.5 miles south of Pine Island on County Road 5. The site notes that some GPS systems miss the farm and suggests searching for "RideAbility, Pine Island" in Google Maps. The P.O. Box 646 address in Pine Island is for mail only.
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 for lessons?
RideAbility has an online student pre-registration form, plus a student application, medical history form and participation form on its website. The website posts each year's registration dates.
How much do lessons cost?
The fee table on its website lists a group session at $175 per student and a private lesson at $35, each plus a $25 annual membership. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can ask for a partial or full scholarship or a membership waiver. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are classes held?
Group lessons meet on weekday evenings, mostly Mondays and Tuesdays, during the spring, summer and fall sessions. The website's events calendar lists current session dates and class times.
How do I contact RideAbility?
Call (507) 271-8908 or email promisedmeadows@gmail.com. The fact sheet also lists a barn line, (507) 356-8154.
Location
Pine Island, Minnesota 55963
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.