Wheatland Equestrian is an inclusive equestrian program operated through the Faith and Family Foundation, offering therapeutic riding, adapted riding, para-equestrian dressage, traditional riding, and equine-assisted programs for riders of all abilities. The organization was founded from the Forrest family’s personal experience with disability and a belief in the physical, emotional, and confidence-building benefits of horses. Today, Wheatland serves more than 100 riders each week through programs that bring riders with disabilities and non-disabled riders together in one welcoming equestrian community.
In January 2026, Wheatland Equestrian moved its operations to Belle Grey Farm in Upperville, Virginia, creating a larger campus with improved accessibility and increased capacity for its growing therapeutic riding, para-dressage, and traditional equestrian programs. The organization describes its mission as creating equal opportunities for riders with special needs in a loving, family-centered environment while helping riders progress from therapeutic participation toward adaptive sport and, for some, competitive para-dressage.
About This Program
Wheatland Equestrian offers an integrated riding model in which therapeutic and adapted riders learn alongside traditional riders and competitive athletes. Riders with disabilities may begin in adapted riding for therapeutic benefit and work toward improved physical and cognitive skills, greater independence, adaptive sport, or competitive riding depending on their individual abilities and goals.
The organization also operates as a USEF Center of Excellence for international para-dressage. Its para-dressage pathway can take athletes from introductory dressage through classification, show preparation, competition, and eventually the purchase or lease of a competition horse. Lessons are taught by qualified para-dressage coaches using experienced school horses.
Services Offered
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Adapted riding lessons
- Para-equestrian dressage instruction
- Competitive para-dressage development
- Traditional dressage and riding lessons
- Show jumping instruction
- Eventing instruction
- Horsemanship and horse-management education
- US Pony Club programming
- Full training board
- Half- and full-lease opportunities
- Integrated horse shows and clinics
- Family-centered equestrian events
- Equine-assisted programs and family support services
Who They Serve
Wheatland Equestrian may be good for:
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders with developmental delays
- Individuals with physical impairments
- Riders with learning disabilities
- Individuals with anxiety disorders
- Riders interested in therapeutic or adapted riding
- Para-equestrian athletes pursuing competitive dressage
- Children and teenagers interested in equestrian sports
- Non-disabled riders who want to participate alongside adaptive riders
- Siblings and family members of riders with disabilities
- Traditional dressage, jumping, and eventing riders
- Riders seeking an inclusive, family-centered equestrian community
Facility and Setting
Wheatland Equestrian’s new home at Belle Grey Farm in Upperville provides an expanded setting for its growing programs. The organization notes that the move was driven by the need for additional space, improved accessibility, more horse capacity, and expanded programming. The campus includes a large indoor arena, outdoor riding and jumping areas, barns, trails, and other resources designed to support both recreational and high-level equestrian activities.
The program’s previous Purcellville facility included an FEI-quality outdoor competition arena, an ADA-compliant indoor arena, an accessible 18-stall barn with an automatic mounting lift for wheelchair-dependent athletes, and outdoor trails. Wheatland’s continued emphasis on accessibility and specialized equestrian infrastructure supports riders progressing from therapeutic riding into adaptive and competitive sport.
What Makes Them Unique
Wheatland Equestrian stands out for its intentionally integrated approach to equestrian sport. Rather than separating riders with disabilities from the broader riding community, the organization brings adaptive, para-equestrian, and traditional riders together. This model gives riders with disabilities opportunities to develop skills alongside their siblings, peers, and non-disabled athletes while encouraging greater understanding and community connection.
The organization is also distinguished by its progression from therapeutic riding to competitive para-dressage. Wheatland is recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation as a Center of Excellence for international para-dressage, and its professional team includes USEF-certified para-dressage coaches and a PATH Certified Instructor.