Freedom Riders, Inc.
Pleasant View, Utah
Freedom Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Pleasant View, Utah, that runs a therapeutic riding program for children with special needs ages 3 to 18. Children ride one evening a week from April to August, supported by trained volunteers and their horses.
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Horsemanship activities
- Stretching and warm-ups on horseback
- Coordination games on horseback
- Adaptive tack and equipment
- Children with special needs ages 3 to 18
More about this center
About the Program
Freedom Riders began in 1978, when three community members hosted a pony ride for children with special needs at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden. The program says that event grew into the grassroots program it runs today.
Each weekly session is tailored to the rider and includes stretching and warm-ups, coordination games, horsemanship activities and riding. The program says riding supports balance, posture, core strength, motor skills, confidence and social connection.
The Horses and Volunteers
Each rider is supported by three to four trained volunteers: a horse leader, two side-walkers and, when needed, a mounted support rider. All volunteers complete a specialized training course, and horses go through a temperament and safety assessment before joining.
Freedom Riders says its safety guidelines are based on standards from PATH Intl., and it uses adaptive tack and equipment for posture, balance and support.
Volunteering
Volunteers can help by providing horses, leading riders, walking alongside riders or handling paperwork. Interested volunteers can reach the program through the contact form on its website or by emailing freedomridersut@gmail.com.
Location
Sessions are held at At Ease Ranch, 3888 N. Highway 89, Pleasant View, Utah 84404, north of Ogden.
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 sign my child up?
Email Mary Lou at freedomridersut@gmail.com to learn more or add your child to the participation list. Spots are limited each season.
What ages does Freedom Riders serve?
The program serves children with special needs ages 3 to 18.
When does the program run?
Sessions take place weekly from April to August, with each child riding one evening a week.
How much does it cost?
Email freedomridersut@gmail.com to ask about current participation costs.
Location
Pleasant View, Utah 84404
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.