Equest Special Riders Program
Spanaway, Washington
Equest Special Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit of trained volunteers that has taught horseback riding to people with physical and mental disabilities since 1982. Weekly classes are held at High Point Equestrian Center in Tacoma, Washington, on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Most riders are children, and some are adults.
- Therapeutic riding classes, once a week
- Basic horsemanship instruction
- Grooming and leading horses
- Riding games that build coordination
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical disabilities
- People with intellectual disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Equest Special Riders provides riding instruction for people whose disabilities come from conditions present at birth, high fevers, disease or injury from an accident. Riders learn basic horsemanship, activities are adapted to each rider, and lessons include games designed to improve coordination.
The organization is a member of PATH Intl., and its riding instructor is PATH certified. Its stated goal is to "create a safe, supportive place where our riders can thrive and have fun." Roy McClendon is the president, and Deborah Carroll is the treasurer.
Getting Started
Families request a registration packet to join the waiting list for Thursday or Saturday classes. Each class meets once a week and includes about 45 minutes of riding; when riders are not on a horse, they groom and lead. Riders are expected to come every week.
Classes are held Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All riders need a physician to complete forms confirming they are physically able to take part before they begin. Visitors are welcome to observe sessions.
Volunteering
Volunteers help get the horses ready and walk beside riders to keep them safe. They must be 14 or older and able to walk in a sand arena for 45 minutes. No horse experience is needed, and training is given at an orientation. Volunteers can write to oldhawkin3@comcast.net.
Location
Classes take place at High Point Equestrian Center, 4517 96th St East, Tacoma, WA 98446. It is a private boarding barn, so please don't send mail there. Mail goes to PO Box 5391, Spanaway, WA 98387.
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 does a rider get started?
Request a registration packet to join the waiting list for Thursday or Saturday classes. Email the president, Roy McClendon, at C4SecInc@gmail.com, or the treasurer, Deborah Carroll, at equestspecialriders@yahoo.com.
When are classes held?
Classes run on Thursday evenings and on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each rider attends one class a week, with about 45 minutes of riding.
How much do classes cost?
Email equestspecialriders@yahoo.com or C4SecInc@gmail.com to ask about current rates.
Is Equest Special Riders a nonprofit?
Yes. It is a 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are tax deductible.
Location
Spanaway, Washington 98387
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.