Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch
Boerne, Texas
Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic horsemanship center in Boerne, Texas. It offers adaptive riding and equine assisted learning, which includes interactive vaulting. According to its website, it serves children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges from San Antonio, Boerne and surrounding areas.
- Adaptive riding
- Equine assisted learning
- Interactive vaulting
- Horsemanship skills on and off the horse
- Children
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive or developmental disabilities
- Autism
- Cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- Anxiety, depression and trauma
- People with mental health challenges
More about this center
About the Program
The ranch's adaptive riding program teaches riding and horse care skills both on and off the horse. A 2022 KSAT report described riders learning to groom, tack and ride, with the goal of becoming independent. This is similar to what many centers call therapeutic riding.
Its equine assisted learning program incorporates interactive vaulting and, according to the website, focuses on responsibility, self-worth, decision-making, independence and communication. KSAT described these sessions as building a connection with horses through grooming, leading and similar activities.
The website lists cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, depression, anxiety, trauma history, ADD/ADHD, Fragile X, multiple sclerosis, stroke and speech, hearing and vision impairments among the needs it works with.
The Horses and Staff
The website says its instructors are PATH certified, accomplished equestrians and trained to work with participants with special needs. Kate Vasquez is the executive director, according to the ranch's 2024 IRS filing, and a regional resource directory lists Amber Wodarz-O'Hara as program director. See our guide to PATH Intl. for what instructor certification means.
KSAT reported that the barns were designed for accessibility, with an ADA-accessible ramp and light switches, stall doors and equipment placed within easy reach.
Volunteering
The ranch uses volunteers, and KSAT reported that no horse experience is needed because training is provided. New volunteer meetings and trainings are by appointment.
Location
Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch is on a 100-acre ranch at 28710 Boerne Stage Road, Boerne, Texas 78006, according to KSAT. It serves San Antonio, Boerne and surrounding areas. Visits, tours and evaluations are by appointment only.
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 get started at Open T.R.A.I.L. Ranch?
Visits, tours and evaluations are by appointment only. The website asks families to reach out by email, text or phone, and the listed number is (210) 367-8248.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (210) 367-8248 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
What days is the ranch open?
The website lists weekday hours for the 2023-2024 fall and spring semesters, Monday through Friday, and says the ranch is closed on Saturday and Sunday. Call to confirm the current schedule.
Who can participate?
The ranch says it serves children and adults with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges. An evaluation by appointment is part of getting started.
Location
Boerne, Texas 78006
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.