Forward Stride

About the Program

Forward Stride was incorporated in 2003 to meet the demand for therapeutic riding in the Portland metro area. Amber Varner, who started as a trainer and barn manager in 1997, is the executive director. Classes are inclusive and grouped by experience and goals rather than by diagnosis.

The riding program teaches basic riding, dressage, western riding, trail obstacles and drill team. Vaulting, which is gymnastics and dance on horseback, is offered as recreational classes or on the competitive Flying Stars team. Therapy services include physical, occupational and speech therapy with a physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech-language pathologist, who may use the horse's movement or the barn setting. Mental health therapy pairs a mental health professional with a horse and an equine specialist, without riding.

Equine-assisted learning covers workshops, equine-assisted coaching led by a certified coach and a PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, sessions for schools, and team building for businesses.

Getting Started and Cost

Choose a program on the Services page and submit that program's registration form. Staff contact you when an opening fits your schedule. New riders take a one-time riding evaluation. Riding and vaulting run year-round in quarters of 10 to 13 weeks, Monday through Saturday, with tuition billed at the start of each quarter. Therapy services are scheduled on a rolling basis.

As listed, a riding evaluation is $60, a 45-minute group lesson is $57.50 and a 45-minute private lesson is $95. Vaulting group classes are listed from $35. All programs are offered at a reduced rate, and families can apply for additional financial assistance each term. See equine therapy costs for context.

Volunteering

Volunteers lead horses, sidewalk, help with horse care and assist in vaulting classes. Horse care volunteers must be at least 12 and class volunteers at least 14. Training is provided, volunteers commit to a regular schedule for at least three months, and those 18 and older need a background check. Apply online or email volunteer@forwardstride.org.

Location

Forward Stride is at 23839 SW Daniel Rd, Beaverton, OR 97078, off Farmington Road. The facility has six mini barns, shared turnouts, pastures and multiple arenas. The entrance is the second driveway on Daniel Rd, and visits are by appointment only.