Dreams On Horseback
Blacklick, Ohio
Dreams On Horseback is a nonprofit horse program in Blacklick, Ohio, east of Columbus. The center's website describes it as a PATH Intl. premier accredited center offering therapeutic riding, equine-assisted learning, sensory visits for seniors and vocational training. It serves children and adults with special needs, military members and veterans, seniors and community groups.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Military Connections workshops
- Vocational training
- Social emotional learning
- Senior sensory experiences
- Traditional English and Western riding lessons
- Field trips
- Corporate team building
- Children with special needs
- Adults with special needs
- Young adults with special needs
- Military members and veterans
- Seniors, including people with Alzheimer's
- School and community groups
- Corporate teams
More about this center
About the Program
In therapeutic riding lessons, students with special needs ride therapy horses and work on their own goals, using activities and games to build problem-solving, confidence and physical skills. The website says lessons are led by trained and certified instructors, with side-walkers and a horse handler assisting each student.
The vocational program teaches young adults with special needs work and social skills through caring for the barn and horses. Senior sensory visits bring older adults to the farm to groom, touch and watch the horses, and the center says a study with Ohio State found the program reduced agitation in participants. Equine-assisted learning sessions ask participants to reflect on how a horse responds to them.
Military Connections
Military Connections offers equine-assisted learning workshops designed for military members and veterans, who learn horsemanship. Participants can also train to serve as side-walkers or handlers for fellow service members or for therapeutic riding students. Sign-up is through a form on the program's web page. See also equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
The About page lists 24 horses, 356 volunteers and 35,000 participant hours a year. Erich Hunker is the executive director, and Katie Borden is director of equine care and facilities.
Volunteers work alongside students, staff and horses. No horse experience is needed, and the center provides training. People can apply through the online volunteer form.
Location
Dreams On Horseback is at 1416 Reynoldsburg-New Albany Road, Blacklick, OH 43004, near Columbus. Most traditional riding lessons are held at Stepping Stone Stables.
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 therapeutic riding?
The therapeutic riding page has an online registration form. You can also call 614-864-9500 or email Info@DreamsOnHorseback.org with questions.
How much do lessons cost?
Call 614-864-9500 or email Info@DreamsOnHorseback.org to ask about current rates.
Are there requirements for traditional riding lessons?
Traditional English and Western lessons are open to riders who weigh less than 200 pounds. Lessons can focus on basic skills or on preparing for horse shows.
Can groups visit?
Yes. The center offers customized field trips and corporate team building sessions. Contact the office to plan a visit.
Location
Blacklick, Ohio 43004
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.