Therapeutic Riding of Tryon at FENCE
Tryon, North Carolina
Therapeutic Riding of Tryon (TROT) is the therapeutic riding program of the Foothills Equestrian Nature Center (FENCE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Tryon, North Carolina. TROT offers mounted and unmounted equine-assisted activities for children and adults with physical, developmental and cognitive disabilities. The program is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Mounted therapeutic riding lessons
- Unmounted horsemanship lessons
- Grooming, tacking and horse care
- Volunteer training
- Children ages 4 and up
- Adults, with no upper age limit
- People with physical disabilities
- People with developmental disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
Mounted lessons run 60 minutes and include grooming, saddling, untacking and time spent with the horse as well as riding. Most riding is done at the walk, and advanced riders may trot for short stretches. The unmounted program, usually one hour, is for people who are not able to ride and covers grooming and leading horses, learning about horse behavior, structured activities and games or crafts.
Lessons are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors with help from trained volunteers. Summaiya D'Adamo is the TROT Director. Lessons take place at Rosemary's Barn and the ring behind the historic log cabin on the FENCE grounds. TROT uses privately owned horses rather than owning its own, and each horse must pass an evaluation before joining the program. Learn more about therapeutic riding and PATH Intl. accreditation.
Getting Started
Riders must be at least 4 years old when they apply. To enroll, complete the TROT Application and the Medical History and Physician Statement, then return the dated forms by email to therapeuticriding@fence.org or by mail to FENCE-TROT, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 28782. The Program Director contacts families once the completed application arrives.
TROT runs two ten-week sessions each year, one from March to early June and one from September to early December. Most students come once a week. A 10-lesson mounted session is $250 and a 10-lesson unmounted session is $100. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. Most insurance plans do not cover equine-assisted activities.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as horse leaders and side walkers during lessons and help with barn duties, office support and behind-the-scenes coordination. Horse experience is helpful but not required. Training is held twice a year and includes an introductory class on equine-assisted activities and at least one hands-on session with a horse. Leaders and side walkers need to be able to walk on uneven ground for up to 30 minutes and hold one arm at shoulder height for long periods.
Location
TROT is based at FENCE, 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC 28782. FENCE is a nature education and outdoor recreation center on 384 acres of meadow, forest, wetland and trails, with an equestrian center that has three lighted show rings. The program serves residents of Polk, Henderson and Rutherford counties in North Carolina and Spartanburg and Greenville counties in South 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 TROT?
Send the completed TROT Application and Medical History and Physician Statement to therapeuticriding@fence.org or by mail to FENCE-TROT. The Program Director will contact you.
Is there an age requirement?
Riders must be at least 4 years old at the time of application. There is no upper age limit.
How much do lessons cost?
A 10-lesson mounted session is $250 and a 10-lesson unmounted session is $100. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
When are lessons held?
There are two ten-week sessions, March to early June and September to early December, and most students attend once a week.
Location
Tryon, North Carolina 28782
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.