SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program
Herndon, Virginia
SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia. Its mission is to foster healing and teach life skills through interactions with horses. Programs include therapeutic riding, unmounted therapeutic horsemanship, occupational therapy that incorporates hippotherapy, equine-assisted psychotherapy and a program for veterans and first responders.
- Therapeutic riding
- Therapeutic horsemanship (unmounted, individually scheduled)
- Occupational therapy incorporating hippotherapy
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy
- Equine Assisted Learning program (ages 10+)
- Veterans program
- SPIRIT Academy
- Equine Assisted Learning workshops
- Individuals with special needs
- Individuals and families
- Veterans
- Active-duty service members, reservists and guardsmen
- First responders
- Young people ages 10 and up (EAL program)
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding is for individuals with special needs. Classes run year-round on Monday through Thursday evenings through Fairfax County's Parktakes registration system, with Saturday morning classes arranged directly with SPIRIT. Riding supports balance, muscle tone, motor skills, focus, confidence and communication.
Therapeutic horsemanship is an unmounted program led by certified facilitators, with sessions scheduled individually. Occupational therapy sessions incorporate hippotherapy and are led by an occupational therapist (MOTR/L). Equine-assisted psychotherapy is designed for individuals and families, and the website lists anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, PTSD, eating disorders, attention deficit disorder and behavioral concerns among the issues it addresses.
The Equine Assisted Learning program is for ages 10 and up. Participants help with riding classes as horse leaders and side walkers, learn horse care and earn riding time. It starts with a one-month volunteer trial, and the fee is $300 per month as listed, plus a riding pass purchased from the park.
The veterans program is for veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, guardsmen and first responders and participants use their skills to help others.
The Horses and Staff
Michelle Gnozzio is the executive director. The staff page lists several certified therapeutic riding instructors and therapeutic horsemanship facilitators, an occupational therapist and an EAP staff member. The horse page lists 15 horses and ponies, including Welsh, Percheron, Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and Haflinger types.
Volunteering
Volunteers must be 14 or older, and those 18 and up must pass a background check. No experience is needed. Volunteers work as side walkers and horse leaders or help with feeding, mucking and site care, and SPIRIT provides ongoing training.
Location
The farm is at Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171. Visits are by appointment. Visitors should use the park's main parking lot, since parking near the SPIRIT barn is reserved for staff and participants with disabilities. The website also lists a second site, SPIRIT at Sully Farm. Mail goes to PO Box 710711, Herndon, VA 20171.
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 therapeutic riding?
Evening classes are booked through Fairfax County Parktakes by searching "Equestrian", and they fill quickly on opening day. For Saturday classes, contact SPIRIT to be added to the waitlist.
How do I start hippotherapy, psychotherapy or therapeutic horsemanship?
Contact SPIRIT through its website or at spiritinfo@spiritequestrian.org. Staff will confirm the service is a good fit and send the required paperwork.
Does SPIRIT accept insurance?
No. SPIRIT does not accept insurance as payment, but it says equine-assisted psychotherapy and OT/hippotherapy may be reimbursable, so check your plan.
Is help with the cost available?
Yes. SPIRIT runs a scholarship program that can cover part or all of the cost of classes, and families who need help with the cost can contact the center to ask about it.
Location
Herndon, Virginia 20171
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.