Victoria Acres Equine Facility, Inc.
Altamont, New York
Victoria Acres Equine Facility is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Altamont, New York, in the town of Guilderland. It offers therapeutic riding, recreational riding, ground work lessons and a Horse Sense horse care curriculum for children and adults with or without physical and developmental challenges.
- Therapeutic riding classes with a PATH Intl. certified instructor
- Recreational riding, English and Western
- Ground work lessons
- Horse Sense horse care and safety curriculum
- 30-minute weekly lessons
- Volunteer program
- Children
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- People living with mental illness
- People with a trauma diagnosis
- Riders without a disability
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, therapeutic riding classes are weekly adaptive riding lessons taught by a PATH Intl. certified instructor with trained volunteers. Riders work toward individual goals such as purposeful speech, motor planning, core strength and confidence. The center describes these as community riding classes rather than clinical therapy, and a diagnosed disability is not required.
Recreational riding classes cover English and Western riding and are open to any age and riding ability; the site says riders must be 200 lbs. or under. Ground work lessons give participants hands-on time with horses, and the center says they suit both new and experienced horse lovers. The Horse Sense curriculum, part of all programs, covers horse care and safety, stall cleaning, nutrition, leading and reading horse body language.
The Horses and Staff
Erin Pashley founded Victoria Acres in May 2012 and serves as executive director. The organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2014. Its About page lists a barn family of 10 horses, a donkey and two goats.
Getting Started
Riders fill out the registration form on the program page, and the office then contacts them to schedule an initial evaluation and a class. Lessons are 30 minutes. As listed, therapeutic riding is $80 per lesson, and recreational riding and ground work lessons are $50 each.
Volunteering
Volunteers working with or around the horses must be at least 16, attend a mandatory training session and commit to at least one night a week. Each therapeutic rider is supported by a lead walker and two side walkers. According to the center's volunteer posting, no experience is needed and training is provided.
Location
Victoria Acres is at 3771A Western Turnpike, Altamont, NY 12009, in the town of Guilderland west of Albany. Call (518) 813-8805 or email info@VictoriaAcresEquineFacility.com to arrange a visit.
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 lessons?
Complete the riding registration form on the center's website. The office will contact you to schedule an initial evaluation and your class.
Does a rider need a diagnosis to join therapeutic riding?
No. The center says its therapeutic riding classes are open to the public and riders are not required to be diagnosed with a disability.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed, therapeutic riding lessons are $80 for 30 minutes, and recreational riding and ground work lessons are $50 each. See our guide to equine therapy costs for more on pricing.
Is there a weight limit for riders?
The recreational riding page says the center can currently accommodate riders 200 lbs. and under.
Location
Altamont, New York 12009
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.