Bridle Paths
Leesburg, Virginia
Bridle Paths is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at Stone Horse Farm, just north of Leesburg, Virginia. It offers adaptive riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning for children, adults and families facing physical, cognitive and emotional challenges. Its VALOR HERD program serves veterans, service members, first responders and their families.
- Adaptive riding (private and semi-private lessons)
- Small-group riding lessons
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (ground-based)
- Equine-assisted learning
- VALOR HERD program for veterans and first responders
- Making the Connection eight-week series for veterans
- Children and adults with physical, cognitive, behavioral and emotional needs
- Individuals, couples and groups in therapy
- Survivors of traumatic brain injury
- People with social and communication challenges
- Veterans, active duty and retired service members
- Law enforcement and other first responders
- Military and first responder families
- Businesses and teams
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding lessons at Bridle Paths run an hour and combine unmounted and mounted work. Each lesson is staffed by a PATH Intl. certified instructor with trained volunteers. Most students take weekly private lessons, and some riders join group lessons to work on social or communication goals.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions take place on the ground and bring together a horse professional, a licensed therapist, the horse and the client. Equine-assisted learning groups are customized to each group and cover topics such as communication, boundaries, mindfulness and collaboration, with an equine specialist, a mental health or education professional and trained volunteers.
The VALOR HERD program combines psychotherapy, learning and adaptive riding for veterans, service members and first responders. It includes Making the Connection, an eight-week series of equine-assisted learning and psychotherapy sessions for veterans dealing with combat-related traumatic brain injury, PTSD, military sexual trauma, moral injury, substance use or the transition home. Bridle Paths has provided these services since 2014, with referrals from nonprofits, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and military medical facilities.
The Horses and Staff
Katie Fallon is the founder and executive director. The staff page lists her as a PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and an EAGALA Equine Specialist. Therapists Beth Ratchford, LCSW, and Stephanie Christensen are both EAGALA certified.
The farm has indoor and outdoor arenas, a 14-stall wheelchair-accessible barn and two wheelchair-accessible mounting ramps. Supporters can sponsor or adopt one of the program horses for a year.
Getting Started
The facility is open by appointment only. Families and referral sources can call (571) 216-9089, email info@bridlepathsva.org, or use the contact form on the website and choose adaptive riding or psychotherapy/learning as the inquiry type.
Location
Bridle Paths operates at Stone Horse Farm, 43247 Spinks Ferry Road, Leesburg, VA 20176, just north of Leesburg in Loudoun County. The farm is reachable from Route 15, Route 7 and the Dulles Toll Road and has ample parking. Mail goes to 17160 Spring Creek Ln., Leesburg, VA 20176.
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 up for adaptive riding or therapy at Bridle Paths?
Call (571) 216-9089, email info@bridlepathsva.org, or use the contact form on its website. Adaptive riding uses a rider registration packet available on the program page.
Who can join the VALOR HERD program?
The program is for veterans, active duty and retired service members, law enforcement and other first responders. Psychotherapy sessions are also open to their families.
How much do sessions cost?
Contact Bridle Paths at (571) 216-9089 or info@bridlepathsva.org for current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains what affects pricing.
Can I visit the farm?
Yes, by appointment only.
Location
Leesburg, Virginia 20176
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.