Butte Special Riders
Butte, Montana
Butte Special Riders (BSR) is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Butte, Montana that offers horseback riding for children and youth with disabilities and special needs. Sessions take place in summer at the Kissock Horse Center.
- Summer riding sessions for children and youth
- 45-minute sessions led by an instructor
- A horse leader and two side walkers for each rider
- Volunteer opportunities
- Children and youth with disabilities
- Children and youth with special needs
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, BSR supports personal growth and the development of social and physical skills through time with horses. Each session lasts 45 minutes. Every student is paired with one BSR horse and three volunteers (a horse leader and two side walkers), and an instructor leads the student through lessons and exercises. Students learn to direct their horses with voice, sound, body language and touch.
The website traces BSR to 1988, when Britt Kissock, daughter of Jim and Joani Kissock, began helping children with special needs through her 4-H horse club. A 2022 KXLF report said the program runs throughout the summer. For background on this kind of program, see our guide to therapeutic riding.
The Horses and Staff
The website lists Joani Kissock as an instructor since the program began and describes her as a clinician, judge, trainer, coach and instructor. She and her husband Jim own the Kissock Horse Center. The volunteer board includes Dr. Sara Murray, an occupational therapist who brings her professional insight to the board's planning.
The horses listed on the website are Dutch, Ladybug, Stewie, Jett, Timmy, Bella, Bits and Quinny.
Volunteering
BSR is run by volunteers. The website lists tasks such as gathering and grooming horses, meeting parents, leading and supporting children, and organizing other volunteers, and says no horse experience is needed. People with skills in areas like website design, writing or outreach are also invited to help.
Location
Butte Special Riders meets at the Kissock Horse Center, 1179 Beacon Road, Butte, Montana 59701.
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 enroll my child?
Fill out the student application on the website, or request a paper copy from Barb Gray at 406-490-1715. A medical and provider statement form completed by the student's medical provider is also required. Spots are limited, so apply early.
How much does it cost?
Email buttespecialriders@gmail.com to ask about current rates. Learn more about equine therapy costs.
When are sessions held?
Sessions run in summer. Contact the program for the current season's schedule.
How can I volunteer?
Use the volunteer application linked from the website's Volunteers page, or email buttespecialriders@gmail.com.
Location
Butte, Montana 59701
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.