Reno Rescue, Inc.
Verdi, Nevada
Reno Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit horse rescue on a ranch in Verdi, Nevada, just west of Reno, that also offers riding and equine-assisted programs for people. These include adaptive and therapeutic riding, riding lessons for all ages, and partner programs for foster youth, people in recovery, adaptive athletes and veterans.
- Adaptive and therapeutic riding
- Private and semi-private riding lessons
- Stable Moments mentoring program for foster youth
- Equine experiences for recovery center groups
- Adaptive riding for disabled athletes and veterans
- Ranch Life free horsemanship class
- Summer respite care sessions
- Horse boarding
- Riders of all ages and abilities
- People with cognitive, psychomotor and behavioral disabilities
- Foster youth in Washoe County
- People in addiction recovery
- Veterans
- Adaptive athletes
- Kids and young adults in respite care
- Local 4-H members
More about this center
About the Program
Reno Rescue describes itself as a certified PATH Intl. center that specializes in therapeutic riding, and says riding can help people with cognitive, psychomotor and behavioral disabilities. Its rescue horses take part in the riding programs. The website says the organization has served the community under its founder, Cara Kaufer, since 2010.
Its Stable Moments program gives each foster child in Washoe County a trained mentor and a horse, and they meet weekly through the school year. The center says it stays with each child through changes in placement, including adoption or a return to their birth family. Groups from local recovery centers, including the Women's Empowerment Center, Crossroads Reno and Bristlecone Recovery Center, visit for hand-led rides around the property and its trails.
Through a partnership with the High Fives Foundation, Reno Rescue says it offers disabled athletes and veterans monthly instruction, riding, therapist-guided equine therapy and horsemanship, and that it also provides these services to the VA. In summer, it hosts hand-led rides for kids and young adults in respite care with partners such as RAVE and Washoe County Health and Human Services.
Getting Started
Lessons are booked online through the website, and every rider signs an online waiver (separate forms for adults and minors). The website lists private lessons at $80 and semi-private lessons at $65. Ranch Life, a free horsemanship class on handling, grooming and tack, runs about once a month on Thursday evenings and is recommended before starting lessons. It is open to ages 6 and up, and children 10 and under need an adult with them. Sign-up is on the events page.
Volunteering
Reno Rescue holds volunteer workdays and hosts team volunteer events for local companies. It also recruits mentors for Stable Moments, and the local 4-H chapter, Verdi Country Riders, holds meetings and clinics on the property.
Location
Reno Rescue is at 175 Trelease Lane, Verdi, NV 89439, on a ranch with trail access, an outdoor arena and round pens. Visits are by appointment 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 riding lessons?
Book a private or semi-private lesson through the riding page on Reno Rescue's website and complete the online waiver. The free Ranch Life horsemanship class is a suggested first step.
How much do lessons cost?
The website lists private lessons at $80 and semi-private lessons at $65. For adaptive riding or partner programs, call (775) 843-7226 or email contact@renorescue.org.
Is there a minimum age?
Lessons are offered for all ages and experience levels. The Ranch Life class is for ages 6 and up, with adult supervision required for children 10 and under.
How can a foster family join Stable Moments?
The program serves foster youth in Washoe County. Families, mentors and sponsors can reach the center at contact@renorescue.org.
Location
Verdi, Nevada 89439
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.