Victory Riding Academy

Omaha, Nebraska

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Victory Riding Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in west Omaha, Nebraska, that describes itself as an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) center offering ground-based and mounted activities. It serves active duty military, veterans, police, firefighters and other first responders and their families, along with individuals, school groups and organizations.

Programs mentioned
  • Equine-assisted learning (EAL), often groundwork-based
  • Mounted activities when they fit a client's goals
  • One-on-one personal development sessions
  • Education programs for students and school groups
  • Leadership retreats, workshops and team building
  • Comrades program
  • Barn tours by appointment
Riders served
  • Veterans
  • Active duty military
  • Police, firefighters and other first responders
  • Families of military members and first responders
  • Students and school groups
  • Businesses, sports teams and other groups
  • Individuals of all ages and backgrounds
More about this center

About the Program

According to its website, EAL activities are designed to promote personal growth, emotional awareness, communication, leadership, confidence and stress management. Lessons are often groundwork or focused on the relationship with the horse, and may be mounted if that helps a client meet specific goals. The site says sessions are often co-facilitated by an equine specialist and a human specialist, and can be individual or group.

The website lists four program areas: Personal Development (one-on-one private sessions), Education, Organizational retreats and workshops, and Comrades. The academy says it offers affordable and complimentary equine experiences to military members, veterans, first responders and their families.

Veterans at the Barn

Local TV coverage has described veterans coming in as they please to groom, ride or spend time with the horses, and said support groups are also available. For more background, see our guide to equine therapy for veterans.

History, Horses and Staff

The website says Tony and JoDee Barnes founded Victory Riding Academy in 2010. It was incorporated as a nonprofit in October 2011 and received 501(c)(3) status in June 2012. Tony Barnes is listed as founder and CEO, JoDee Barnes as founder and vice president, and Cheryl Landauer and Sonja Dirkse as facilitators.

The site introduces eight of its horses, including Diesel, Vegas and Nickering Nera, along with a barn dog and two cats. Local news coverage has reported the nonprofit relies mostly on donations and grants.

Volunteering

Volunteers help as session support, with stall and pen care, facility maintenance, and on the fun committee that helps with events, fundraisers and the annual gala. To get involved, email info@victoryride.org.

Location

Victory Riding Academy is at 4906 South 180th Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68135, in west Omaha. Visits and barn tours are by appointment only. A local nonprofit directory lists its service area as Douglas, Dodge, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County in Iowa.

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 get started at Victory Riding Academy?

Email info@victoryride.org or use the contact form on its website to ask about programs. You can also schedule a barn tour, which is by appointment only.

What does it cost?

The academy says it offers affordable and complimentary sessions to military members, veterans, first responders and their families. For other programs, email info@victoryride.org to ask about current rates.

Is it riding or groundwork?

According to the website, lessons are often groundwork or focused on the relationship with the horse, with riding added when it helps a client reach a specific goal.

Location

Address 4906 South 180th Street
Omaha, Nebraska 68135
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Questions to Ask When You Call

The center is the best source for these answers.

  1. Are you running now, and taking new riders?
    Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
  2. Which ages and needs do you work with?
    Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
  3. Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?
    Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
  4. What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?
    Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
  5. Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?
    Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.