Horse Heritage Educational Program
Valley, Washington
Horse Heritage Educational Program is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Valley, Washington. It offers adaptive riding for people of all ages facing a range of challenges, including riders with disabilities, plus horse-based workshops that build life skills. It also runs the horse unit at YMCA Camp Reed.
- Adaptive (therapeutic) riding
- Individual rides
- Equine-facilitated learning workshops
- Youth workshops
- Personal Growth Program (life skills through horsemanship)
- Camp Wrangler program with YMCA Camp Reed
- Children and adults
- Riders with disabilities
- People facing a range of challenges
- Youth
- Families
More about this center
About the Program
Horse Heritage says it works to enrich the lives of youth and families through horses, community and nature, while teaching communication, responsibility and respect. Its adaptive riding program, which it describes as therapeutic riding, brings together volunteers and professionals trained in equine-assisted activities. The program says riders may gain better balance, coordination and posture, as well as self-confidence.
The workshops combine lessons with equine-facilitated learning through hands-on activities. The Personal Growth Program is built around eight life skill areas: Being, Living, Thinking, Managing, Relating, Caring, Giving and Working. These cover self-esteem, making decisions, setting goals, communication, empathy, leadership and teamwork. Participants also learn horsemanship, such as caring for a horse and its equipment, identifying tack, leading and riding safely.
The Horses and Staff
Elissa Wellhausen is the program director and a PATH Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructor. Ashley Karsh, the camp director, is also a PATH Intl. registered therapeutic riding instructor and a certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Karen Scott, the volunteer coordinator, holds the same equine specialist certification.
Getting Started
Riders complete an application and a Medical History Form, and the program strongly suggests a physical or medical release for horseback riding. Riding runs in four-week sessions from spring through fall, mostly on Thursdays, with Wednesday sessions added in summer. The program is open Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment.
As listed, the cost is $200 per four-week session and $60 per individual ride. Horse Heritage offers a tuition waiver, and it is a contractor with Washington State DSHS DDD and DVR.
Volunteering
Through its Camp Wrangler program, Horse Heritage works with YMCA Camp Reed to run the camp's horse unit. Wranglers are unpaid youth volunteers who receive lodging, meals, a camp shirt and time riding and working with the horses. No horse experience is needed, and the application carries a $25 fee.
Location
Horse Heritage Educational Program is based in Valley, Washington. Call (509) 710-1631 or email info@horseheritage.org to arrange a visit or ask about session openings.
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 enroll a rider?
Complete the application and Medical History Form on the Horse Heritage website. A physical or medical release for horseback riding is strongly suggested.
How much does adaptive riding cost?
The program lists $200 per four-week session and $60 per individual ride. A tuition waiver is available, and the program is a contractor with Washington State DSHS DDD and DVR.
When are sessions held?
Sessions run four weeks at a time from spring into fall, mostly on Thursdays, with some Wednesday sessions in summer. Visits are by appointment on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Do camp wranglers need horse experience?
No. The Camp Wrangler program says no horse experience is necessary.
Location
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.