RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center home of RISE Rehab
San Antonio, Texas
RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center, home of RISE Rehab, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, according to IRS records, located just outside San Antonio, Texas. It offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding and one-week intensives. According to its website, it serves people with cognitive, physical or emotional challenges, or a special need of any kind.
- Hippotherapy (physical, occupational and speech therapy)
- Therapeutic (adaptive) riding
- One-week intensives
- Initial screening with a therapist or instructor
- Children with special needs
- People with physical challenges
- People with cognitive challenges
- People with emotional challenges
More about this center
About the Program
RISE says its hippotherapy uses the horse's movement as a therapy tool within physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy, with therapists applying clinical reasoning to promote functional outcomes. Founder Karen Fergason is a physical therapist. Its therapeutic riding program teaches horsemanship and riding skills along with social, behavioral and communication skills.
Intensives run as daily one-hour sessions, Monday through Friday, for one week. The center lists them in the fall, spring and summer semesters. New clients need an assessment before their intensive.
The Horses and Staff
Founder and executive director Karen Fergason, PT, DPT, HPCS, started RISE Rehab in 2015, according to the center's website. Equine manager Andi Fergason, a Level 4 certified riding instructor, trains and cares for the horses. Gail Hughes coordinates volunteers and serves as family liaison.
The center lists a weight guideline: client plus tack cannot exceed 20% of the horse's weight. RISE marked its 10-year anniversary with a celebration in November 2025.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be at least 16, and those 18 and older need a background check. RISE asks for a weekly shift of at least two hours, Monday through Friday, with the most need in mornings and early afternoons. Horse leaders get extra training.
Location
RISE Therapeutic Equestrian Center is at 23165 Bat Cave Road, San Antonio, TX 78266, just outside the city. Visits 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 RISE?
Complete the New Client Registration form on the RISE website. The center says a team member will reach out within 48 hours to schedule an initial screening with a RISE therapist or instructor, or you can contact RISE directly.
How much do sessions cost?
Call (726) 999-0539 or email info@riserehab.org to ask. Our guide to equine therapy costs covers typical pricing and payment options.
How do I schedule an intensive?
The center says to contact Karen@riserehab.org to schedule or ask about intensives. New clients must complete an assessment first.
Are there rider requirements?
RISE lists a weight guideline: client plus tack cannot exceed 20% of the horse's weight. It says limits depend on the horses and volunteers available and are handled individually.
Location
San Antonio, Texas 78266
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.