Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center
Burnsville, North Carolina
Appalachian Therapeutic Riding Center (ATRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Burnsville, North Carolina. It provides therapeutic riding and non-mounted activities for people with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Its programs reach children in schools, young adults, veterans and riders over 55.
- Therapeutic riding
- Non-mounted horse activities
- Summer camp
- Literacy program
- Social and emotional program for schools
- Wounded Warrior program for veterans
- Silver Saddles riding for adults over 55
- Jobs for All job training
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- People with emotional challenges
- School students
- Young adults
- Veterans
- Adults over 55
More about this center
About the Program
ATRC describes its mission as providing therapeutic horseback riding and non-mounted activities to people with physical, cognitive and/or emotional challenges in a safe, structured environment. Therapeutic riding is offered to school groups and individuals. The center also runs summer camps focused on literacy, mental health and school readiness, a literacy program and a social and emotional program offered with schools.
Three programs focus on specific groups. The Wounded Warrior program offers mounted and unmounted activities for veterans (see equine therapy for veterans). Silver Saddles offers therapeutic riding for people over 55. Jobs for All provides job training for young adults with physical or cognitive challenges, to help prepare them for future employment.
Staff and History
Miika Rolett is the executive director, and a volunteer board led by president Cher Levine oversees the organization. ATRC received its federal tax exemption as a 501(c)(3) charity in 1990.
Location
The riding center is at 299 Riding Center Road in Burnsville, in Yancey County. Its mailing address is 176 Chimney Ridge, Burnsville, NC 28714. ATRC lists its service area as Avery, Buncombe, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey counties in western North Carolina.
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 a session?
Email the center at atrcriding@gmail.com to ask about upcoming sessions and enrollment forms.
What does it cost?
Email atrcriding@gmail.com to ask about current rates and whether help with the cost is available. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Which areas does ATRC serve?
The center lists Avery, Buncombe, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell and Yancey counties in North Carolina as its service area.
Location
Burnsville, North Carolina 28714
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.