Dream Riders
Lexington, South Carolina
Dream Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers equine-assisted activities at Sunrise Farm in Lexington, South Carolina. Its website lists it as a Premier Accredited Center of PATH Intl.. The program offers weekly therapeutic riding lessons for people with special needs ages four and older, along with para-dressage, Special Olympics competition and equine-assisted services for foster children.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Therapeutic horsemanship
- Para-dressage
- Special Olympics equestrian competition
- Equine-assisted services for foster children
- Approved PATH Intl. center for the Wounded Warrior Project
- Natural horsemanship lessons
- Children and adults with special needs (ages 4 and up)
- Foster children
- Wounded veterans
- Para-athletes
- Groups from children's homes and community programs
More about this center
About the Program
Dream Riders began in October 1998 with two horses and eight riders, according to its website. It now reports more than 1,000 hours of equine-assisted activities a year. The program describes its lessons as following an educational model with adaptive teaching methods, and a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor leads each session.
Small group lessons run weekly from September through June, with morning and afternoon/evening sessions. Over the summer, independent riders continue to ride as weather allows, and groups such as 10:10 Bridge, children's homes and Circles visit to try equine-assisted activities. The center says it is an approved PATH Intl. center for the Wounded Warrior Project (equine therapy for veterans). Interested participants and volunteers can also take natural horsemanship lessons.
The Horses and Staff
Jennifer Stoudemire is the head riding instructor and program director. She is a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor, a certified Special Olympics equestrian coach, a para-dressage coach and a USDF bronze medal rider. Corky Dyer, the assistant riding instructor, is also PATH Intl. certified and a certified Special Olympics equestrian coach. The program is held on the Dyer family's farm and is run by volunteers and one paid, certified instructor.
Getting Started
Families start by completing the new rider application on the Riders page. Complete applications go on a waitlist, and as spots open, applicants are invited to a required pre-assessment. The head and assistant riding instructors decide on acceptance based on the center's policies and PATH Intl. guidelines.
As listed on the website, private lessons are $30 and group lessons of two to three riders are $25. Call (803) 957-7906 or (803) 429-1618 to confirm current rates.
Volunteering
Volunteers serve as side-walkers, which requires no horse experience, or as horse leaders, which requires prior horse handling experience. Every volunteer attends a training session and should be able to walk continuously for about 30 minutes.
Location
Dream Riders is at Sunrise Farm, 156 Sandy Hill Rd, Lexington, SC 29072.
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 we enroll a rider at Dream Riders?
Fill out the new rider application on the center's website. Applicants are placed on a waitlist and contacted for a required pre-assessment when a spot opens.
What ages does Dream Riders serve?
Riders are ages four and older.
How much do lessons cost?
As listed on the website, private lessons are $30 and group lessons of two to three riders are $25. Call (803) 957-7906 or (803) 429-1618 to confirm current rates.
When are lessons held?
Group lessons run weekly from September through June in morning and afternoon/evening sessions. Independent riders may continue riding in the summer.
Location
Lexington, South Carolina 29072
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.