The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
Buffalo, New York
The Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center (BTRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit at 950 Amherst Street in Buffalo, New York. Its mission is to enhance the development and quality of life for children with special needs in Western New York. It offers therapeutic riding and adaptive riding classes for children with developmental, learning, emotional and physical challenges.
- Therapeutic riding classes
- Adaptive riding
- Small group classes (up to four riders)
- Volunteer program
- Children and teens
- Children with developmental disabilities
- Children with learning disabilities
- Children with emotional challenges
- Children with physical challenges
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, BTRC classes serve children who are mentally or emotionally impaired, learning disabled or developmentally challenged. Classes are limited to four students, and each class works toward goals set for the group and for each rider. The website says the programs are designed and taught by a member of PATH International. BTRC describes its adaptive riding programs as serving people with physical, developmental and emotional challenges.
The Facility and Staff
The arena was built in 1922 as an indoor polo arena and was later home to the Buffalo Saddle and Bridle Club, according to the Buffalo Equestrian Center. The five-acre site has an indoor arena, stables, paddocks and an outdoor riding ring, and BTRC shares it with the Buffalo Equestrian Center, which offers riding lessons.
Susan Schoellkopf is the executive director.
Volunteering
The website says volunteers are needed on an ongoing basis to help with horse care and handling or to work alongside riders during lessons.
Location
The center is at 950 Amherst Street, Buffalo, NY 14216, in the same complex as the Buffalo Equestrian Center. Its website describes it as the only indoor riding facility in the city of Buffalo.
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.
What ages does the Buffalo Therapeutic Riding Center serve?
The center works with school-age children. Its website lists ages 6 to 16.
How much do classes cost?
Call (716) 877-9295 or email BECANDBTRC@aol.com to ask about current rates.
When are classes held?
Contact the center for the current class schedule.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. The center says it needs volunteers for horse care and handling and to help riders during lessons.
Location
Buffalo, New York 14216
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.