Hearts and Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program
Shelby, North Carolina
Cleveland County Hearts & Hooves is an equine-assisted learning and riding program in Shelby, North Carolina, based on the campus of North Shelby School. It serves children and young adults with disabilities, using riding, groundwork, miniature horses and therapy dogs to build communication, social, academic, behavior and motor skills.
- Equine-assisted learning
- Riding
- Groundwork activities
- Miniature horse activities
- Therapy dog activities
- Children with disabilities
- Young adults with disabilities
- Students at North Shelby School
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, the program's goal is to help riders improve communication, social, academic, behavior and motor skills, leading to greater educational achievement and a better quality of life. Students with disabilities at North Shelby School, a pre-K through grade 12 school in Cleveland County Schools, take part in the program to build confidence and communication skills and to support their physical development and emotional well-being.
Along with therapeutic riding, the program includes groundwork with horses, miniature horses and therapy dogs.
History
Hearts & Hooves began in 1998 as a volunteer-driven program, with community donations paying for an arena and supplies. It ran one day a week at first and grew to two days a week by 2000. Fundraising in 2002 paid for a covered arena. In 2018 the program moved to North Shelby School's new campus, with support from the school system.
Volunteering
The program relies on volunteers and says it is always looking for help in all areas. Listed roles include arena and stall maintenance, trail maintenance, and fundraising and community outreach. Volunteers apply through an online form linked from the website, and the volunteer coordinator can be reached at (803) 605-2931.
Location
Hearts & Hooves operates on the campus of North Shelby School at 1701 Charles Road, Shelby, NC 28152, in Cleveland County.
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.
Who can take part in Hearts & Hooves?
The program serves children and young adults with disabilities and works with students at North Shelby School. Families should contact the office to ask about eligibility.
How do I contact the program?
Call the office at (704) 476-8230, ext. 6452, or email katie@heartsnhooves.org.
How can I volunteer?
Fill out the volunteer application linked from heartsnhooves.org, or call the volunteer coordinator at (803) 605-2931.
Location
Shelby, North Carolina 28152
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.