Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship
Oak Ridge, Missouri
Mississippi Valley Therapeutic Horsemanship (MVTH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Oak Ridge, Missouri, between Cape Girardeau and Perryville. According to its website, it has provided equine-assisted services, including therapeutic riding, to children and adults with disabilities in Southeast Missouri for over 20 years.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Equine-assisted services
- Grooming, haltering and leading horses
- Games on horseback
- Annual horse show
- Scholarships
- Children
- Adults
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- Riders from beginner to experienced
More about this center
About the Program
MVTH says its mission is "to provide Equine Assisted Services to individuals with a broad range of needs in order to impact their lives in a positive and meaningful way." Its website says the services help participants work on physical strength, balance and flexibility, and build bonds with horses.
Activities include grooming, haltering and leading a horse, and games on horseback while riders learn riding skills. The website says sessions are supervised by an equine professional and trained volunteers. The center also holds an annual horse show.
MVTH describes itself as a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Accredited Site and a Center Member of PATH Intl. A 2021 KFVS12 report said the program accepts all riders, with people with disabilities getting first pick of spots, and that it suits riders from beginners to experts.
The Facility and Staff
The center sits on 12 acres of pasture with an outdoor riding arena and a 60 by 120 foot indoor arena. The office has a kitchen, two bathrooms, a conference room and a family room where families can watch lessons in the indoor arena.
According to its website, MVTH instructors are PATH Intl. certified and hold the CHA Instructor of Riders with Disabilities credential. Lead Instructor Leigh Anne Neathery has been with MVTH since 2006 and is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and CHA Instructor of Riders with Disabilities.
Getting Started
The center's website says anyone interested in riding should call 573-788-2100. The United Way 211 directory lists eligibility as anyone with a developmental or physical disability within about 50 miles of Cape Girardeau.
Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can ask about them when they call.
History
According to the Southeast Missourian, MVTH's first lesson took place at Flickerwood Arena in Jackson with one rider, one horse and four volunteers. After moving between several locations, the program built its own arena north of Oak Ridge.
Location
MVTH is at 192 Hope Hill Road, Oak Ridge, MO 63769, just off I-55 at the Old Appleton exit (exit 117), about 20 minutes north of Cape Girardeau and Jackson and 20 minutes south of Perryville.
From Cape Girardeau, take I-55 North to exit 117, turn right onto Highway KK for 1.8 miles, then right on Highway D for 1.5 miles; Hope Hill is on the right. From Perryville, take I-55 South to exit 117, turn left onto KK, then right on D.
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.
Who can ride at MVTH?
The program serves children and adults with disabilities. KFVS12 reported in 2021 that it also accepts other riders, with people with disabilities getting first pick of spots.
How do I sign up?
Call 573-788-2100 or email mvth@ridemvth.org to ask about riding and the current lesson schedule.
How much do lessons cost?
Contact MVTH at 573-788-2100 for current rates. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs for general background.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Lessons are supported by trained volunteers. Contact the center to ask about volunteering.
Location
Oak Ridge, Missouri 63769
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.