Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center
Corpus Christi, Texas
Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center is a therapeutic riding program on Glenoak Drive in the Flour Bluff area of Corpus Christi, Texas. Local news coverage describes it as offering equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding for children and adults with physical, mental, emotional and learning disabilities.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Private lessons
- Group classes
- Back-riding for young children
- Children
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with emotional or mental health needs
- People with learning disabilities
- Stroke survivors
- People with PTSD
- People with visual impairments
More about this center
About the Program
A 2023 KIII 3NEWS report says the center opened in 2003 and had about 105 riders enrolled at the time. It named Charlene Thomas as founder and director and Joanne Montesano, a certified therapeutic riding instructor, as having worked there since it opened.
The same report said classes ran Monday through Saturday, mostly in the evening. A 2018 profile in The Bend Magazine said the center kept about 18 horses and drew riders from as far south as the Rio Grande Valley and as far north as Victoria, mostly through doctor referrals and word of mouth.
Volunteering
News reports from 2022 and 2023 say the center depends on volunteers to prepare horses for classes. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi lists Glenoak as a volunteer site for its December 2026 Giving Tuesday service day, with volunteers working with and bathing horses. Anyone interested can call (361) 537-3495 or email chthorse@yahoo.com.
Location
The center is at 1517 Glenoak Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, in the Flour Bluff area near Oso Bay. It serves riders across the Coastal Bend and South Texas.
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 enroll a rider?
Call (361) 537-3495 or email chthorse@yahoo.com to ask about openings and any referral requirements.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (361) 537-3495 to ask about current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs for typical ranges.
What ages does Glenoak serve?
News coverage says the center works with children and adults of all ages and abilities, including back-riding for young children.
When are classes held?
A 2023 news report said classes ran Monday through Saturday, mostly in the evening. Confirm times by phone.
Location
Corpus Christi, Texas 78418
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.