Victory Therapeutic Horsemanship
Bellwood, Pennsylvania
Victory Therapeutic Horsemanship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Bellwood, Pennsylvania, that offers equine therapy for veterans in central Pennsylvania. It serves veterans only, from all branches of the military, and says its programs are offered at no cost.
- Therapeutic riding (VictoryRiders)
- Horse behavior and groundwork lessons
- Online lessons and conferences (VictoryVirtual)
- Mobile equine visits to assisted living facilities (VictoryVisits)
- Veteran-to-veteran peer support (VictoryPeers)
- Volunteer work program for veterans (VictoryWorks)
- Veterans of all military branches
- Veterans with PTSD
- Veterans with traumatic brain injuries
- Veterans with physical injuries
- Senior veterans in assisted living
More about this center
About the Program
VictoryRiders is the core program. According to its website, each veteran is partnered with a horse and learns horse behavior, groundwork and riding, usually in weekly small-group classes. It is the program with the largest time commitment.
Everyone in VictoryRiders is also enrolled in VictoryVirtual, an online program with conferences, lessons and digital learning. VictoryVirtual also helps prepare veterans who are not yet ready to ride.
VictoryVisits brings horses to senior veterans living in assisted living facilities. VictoryPeers is a veteran-to-veteran support network that often meets through outdoor activities, and VictoryWorks lets veterans help run the organization with administration, special projects, construction and maintenance.
History and Staff
The organization was founded in 2015 by John Zanella, a 20-year Army veteran with multiple combat tours. According to his biography, a therapeutic riding program helped him through his own injuries, and describes him as a rider, program volunteer and instructor.
Victory Therapeutic Horsemanship says it is run entirely by volunteers, with no one receiving pay, and that it relies on donations to keep its programs free for veterans.
Location
The organization's mailing address is PO Box 413, Bellwood, PA 16617. It serves veterans across central Pennsylvania. Contact the program for the location of classes.
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?
The program serves veterans only, from all branches of the military, including combat and noncombat veterans.
How much does it cost?
The organization says its programs are offered at no cost to veterans.
How do I sign up?
Call (814) 381-8726, email victoryhorsemanship@gmail.com, or use the contact form on victoryhorse.org to ask about joining VictoryRiders or another program.
Location
Bellwood, Pennsylvania 16617
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.