Texan Therapeutic Riding
Stephenville, Texas
Texan Therapeutic Riding (TTR), formerly TREAT Riding, is an equine-assisted services program of Tarleton State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Stephenville, Texas. It offers adaptive and therapeutic riding lessons plus field trip and school programming. Its director says riders range from age 5 to over 70 with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities.
- Adaptive/therapeutic horsemanship lessons (grooming, tacking, riding)
- Field trips and school programming
- Special Kids Rodeo events
- Volunteer training (horse leader, sidewalker)
- Children ages 5 and up
- Teens
- Adults, including riders over 70
- People with a variety of diagnoses and disabilities
- School groups
More about this center
About the Program
According to Tarleton, the program was founded in 1995 by animal science professor Dr. David Snyder. It was known as Tarleton Equine-Assisted Therapy (TREAT), then Tarleton Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Riding (TREAT Riding), before taking the name Texan Therapeutic Riding.
In July 2026 the university announced that TTR renewed its status as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. The same announcement names Dr. Ellen Rankins as director. The program website says physical and occupational therapy services that use horses are planned, with more information expected in 2026.
Getting Started
The program website lists horsemanship lessons at $60.00 per one-hour session, as listed, with group or class rates and scholarships available by contacting the program. Field trip and school pricing depends on group size, program length and the support students need. Lessons are listed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To get started, email ttr@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9847. The program says it can help families decide on the best type of programming for a rider.
Volunteering
TTR recruits volunteers as horse leaders and sidewalkers. Its website says volunteers must be at least 14, or any age with a parent, and must complete an application, a background check and training. The program also hosts a Special Kids Rodeo for kids and adults with special needs; its website lists the most recent one on April 2, 2026, at the Tarleton State Equine Center.
Location
The program's physical address is 2101 CR 518, Stephenville, TX 76402, at the Tarleton State University Equine Center. Its mailing address is Box T-0070, Stephenville, TX 76402.
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 much do lessons cost?
The program website lists horsemanship lessons at $60.00 per one-hour session, as listed. Group rates and scholarships are available by contacting the program.
What ages does Texan Therapeutic Riding serve?
Adaptive/therapeutic horsemanship lessons are for anyone over 5 years old, according to the program website. Tarleton says its riders range from age 5 to over 70.
When are lessons offered?
The website lists lessons Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
How do I contact the program?
Email ttr@tarleton.edu or call 254-968-9847.
Location
Stephenville, Texas 76402
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.