LEAD with Horses
Reno, Nevada
LEAD with Horses is a Reno, Nevada nonprofit offering adaptive riding, equine-assisted counseling and youth development programs. Its adaptive riding program was formerly the Center for Adaptive Riding, and riding lessons serve children, youth and adults with disabilities or special needs.
- Therapeutic (adaptive) riding lessons
- Equine-assisted counseling with a licensed therapist
- Equine-assisted learning and youth development groups
- After-school and summer youth programs
- Social Arenas for Teens groups
- Children, youth and adults with disabilities or special needs
- Youth ages 5 to 17 (youth development)
- Ages 11 to adult, and families (counseling)
- Foster youth
- Children of veterans
More about this center
About the Program
According to the LEAD with Horses website, each therapeutic riding lesson is tailored to the rider and supports physical, cognitive, emotional and social well-being. The center says its adaptive riding program is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center that has met more than 100 standards for programming, site management, equine care, participant safety and administration, and that its staff have completed PATH Intl. testing and certification.
LEAD with Horses also offers equine-assisted counseling, a form of equine-assisted psychotherapy, for ages 11 through adult and families, delivered by a licensed mental health professional working with an equine specialist; the website says staff are EAGALA certified. Its youth development program runs after-school and summer groups for ages 5 to 17.
The Horses and Staff
Adaptive riding is coordinated by Nikki Landa, a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) with a bachelor's degree in social work. Executive Director Jeane Spada-Allgood co-founded LEAD with Horses and is an EAGALA-certified equine specialist. The team page also lists therapist Melissa Morrison, LMFT, and a herd that includes Lady, Hoku, Echo and Trigger.
History
The Center for Adaptive Riding has served the Reno area since 2007 and has merged with LEAD with Horses. LEAD with Horses is running a capital campaign to build a combined equine-assisted services facility.
Location
LEAD with Horses is based in Reno, Nevada, and lists its service area as Reno, Washoe County, Carson City and Lyon County. Call 775.223.5181 to ask where adaptive riding lessons are held.
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 adaptive riding?
Use the Enroll Now link on the LEAD with Horses services page or call 775.223.5181, and ask about current wait times.
Who can ride?
The program serves children, youth and adults with disabilities or special needs. The Center for Adaptive Riding's nonprofit profile says it welcomes riders ages 4 and up of all ability and skill levels.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 775.223.5181 or use the contact form on the LEAD with Horses website to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains what to ask.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The website links to volunteer and donation forms from its Get Involved page.
Location
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.