Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship
Helotes, Texas
Upward Transitions Therapeutic Horsemanship (UTTH) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Helotes, Texas, northwest of San Antonio. It offers therapeutic riding, the MAX (Make-A-Connection) groundwork program and a veteran program. According to its website, it serves people of all ages with physical, emotional and/or cognitive challenges, along with veterans and military families.
- Therapeutic riding (private, semi-private and small group lessons)
- Unmounted horsemanship lessons
- MAX (Make-A-Connection) Program, 5-week format
- MAX one-day workshop
- Veteran Program (grooming and riding)
- Children and adults with disabilities (riders from age 4)
- People with autism, ADD/ADHD or cerebral palsy
- People with intellectual disabilities
- Veterans and active-duty service members
- Military families
- Grieving individuals and grief support groups
- People living with serious illness, such as cancer
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding lessons last about one hour and meet once a week. The center lists three sessions a year: spring and fall run about 10 weeks, and summer about 6 weeks. Lessons are private, semi-private or groups of 2 to 3 riders, with trained volunteers leading horses and walking beside riders.
The MAX Program focuses on the horse-human bond, moving from observing the herd to grooming, leading and team riding over five weeks. A one-day workshop covers the same material. In the Veteran Program, participants groom and ride their horse with therapeutic riding instructors.
Getting Started
To apply, email a scanned Rider Registration form from the website to info@upward-transitions.org. The Program Director then follows up about a medical form signed by a therapist or physician. Veterans also provide a DD214.
The Horses and Volunteering
The website introduces three horses: Archie, a Percheron and Quarter Horse mix; Autumn, a mare; and Paulie, a rescue horse.
Volunteers must be at least 14, and training is provided, so no horse experience is needed. Volunteers groom and tack horses, prepare the barn and work as sidewalkers or horse leaders.
Location
Upward Transitions is located at 19804 High Bluff Road, Helotes, TX 78023. Its FAQ says it serves Bandera, Bexar, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr and Medina counties, and most riders come from northwest San Antonio.
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 center asks families to contact the Program Director. You can call (210) 867-1188 or email info@upward-transitions.org. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
What are the rider requirements?
Riders must be at least 4 years old, weigh under 200 pounds, have sitting balance and have a disability compatible with therapeutic horsemanship, confirmed on a medical form. The FAQ says riders range from ages 4 to 60, with most between 6 and 20.
When do lessons run?
Lessons are weekly, about one hour long, in spring, summer and fall sessions. Contact the center for current session dates.
Location
Helotes, Texas 78023
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.