NC Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
Mebane, North Carolina
NC Therapeutic Riding Center (NCTRC) is a nonprofit in Mebane, North Carolina, that has offered equine-assisted activities and therapies since 1977. It provides therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-facilitated psychotherapy, a veterans' program and an inclusive summer camp for children and adults with special needs and disabilities.
- Therapeutic riding (private and semi-private lessons)
- Hippotherapy with licensed PT, OT and SLP therapists
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- Veterans' services
- Inclusive summer camp
- Children and adults with special needs and disabilities
- Children 2 and older (hippotherapy)
- Ages 5 and up (psychotherapy)
- Military veterans from all branches
- Children 6 to 11 (summer camp)
More about this center
About the Program
NCTRC calls itself the oldest therapeutic riding center in North Carolina. Its website says it is accredited as a Premier Center by PATH Intl. and that riding lessons are taught by PATH-certified instructors.
Riding lessons are private or semi-private and run weekly, with most sessions lasting 4 to 8 weeks. Depending on their needs, riders may work with a horse leader and one or two sidewalkers. The center lists the placement evaluation at the farm at $55 and lessons at $50 to $60 depending on class length, as listed. Services may qualify for Health Savings Account payment, depending on the policy, and limited financial assistance is available.
Therapy and Veterans' Programs
Hippotherapy is provided by physical, occupational and speech-language therapists licensed in North Carolina, with additional training through the American Hippotherapy Association. It is for children 2 and older with physical, sensory or speech and language needs, in weekly sessions year-round. The center does not bill insurance but can provide a superbill for out-of-network claims.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy pairs a licensed mental health professional with a PATH-certified equine specialist. It is open to individuals, couples, families and groups, ages 5 and up. Sessions are usually on the ground in the arena, need no horse experience and cost $150 each, as listed.
The veterans' program, open to veterans from all branches, includes in-hand work with horses and, where it fits the veteran's needs, therapeutic riding. The center says program costs are covered by a PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes grant and by donors, so participants do not pay.
History
Dot Kohlbach, Lou Paules and Debby Lominac founded NCTRC in 1977 at a farm in Durham. The center later spent years at Clearwind Farm and is now based at a private farm in Mebane.
Volunteering
Sidewalkers and horse leaders must be 15 or older, attend a new volunteer orientation and commit to at least one 30-minute session per week. Horse leaders also need at least two years of recent horse experience and must pass a horse leader evaluation. Groups (age 12 and up) can contact info@nctrcriders.org.
Location
NCTRC is on a private farm in Mebane, North Carolina. To protect client privacy, visitors are welcome by appointment only; call (336) 303-0120 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 enroll in riding lessons or hippotherapy?
Complete the new client application on the center's website to be placed on its waitlist, which the center describes as significant. New riders then have an evaluation at the farm to set class placement.
How much does it cost?
Riding lessons run $50 to $60 and psychotherapy $150 per session, as listed. For help with the cost, email participate@nctrcriders.org.
What ages is the summer camp for?
The inclusive morning camp is for children ages 6 to 11 with and without disabilities and runs 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Families of 5-year-olds who are ready for camp should contact the center before registering.
Location
Mebane, North Carolina 27302
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.