Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center
Redmond, Washington
Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and PATH Intl. accredited center on 14 acres in Redmond, Washington. It offers adaptive riding lessons, hippotherapy and equine-facilitated psychotherapy for children and adults with disabilities. It serves more than 500 clients a year.
- Adaptive (recreational) riding lessons
- Hippotherapy with physical, occupational and speech-language therapists
- H.E.R.D. social skills groups
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP)
- Equine-Assisted Leadership Development Academy (EALDA)
- Summer riding camp
- Ground Work Series for volunteers
- Tuition aid
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Riders from about age 5 to 87 in adaptive riding
- Autism, ADD/ADHD, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome
- People with mental and emotional health concerns, including trauma
- Community summer campers of all experience levels
More about this center
About the Program
Adaptive riding lessons are taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors and run from a rider's first contact with a horse through advanced independent riding. Classes include arena work, trail rides and group activities. The center says its riders have more than 50 diagnoses.
In hippotherapy, physical, occupational and speech-language therapists use the horse's movement to work toward goals such as balance, strength, communication and independence in daily activities, and participation in family, school and community life. Sessions take place on horseback, in an on-site treatment room and in the barn. The H.E.R.D. groups, led by an OT or SLP, build social-emotional skills through horsemanship for ages 7 to 10 and for adults 18 and older.
Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is led by licensed mental health professionals, including staff counselor Caitlin Shea, LMHC, working with a PATH-certified equine specialist.
History and Facility
Margaret Dunlap founded Little Bit in June 1976 with one horse and five riders. She had multiple sclerosis and found that riding helped her. The center lists 31 horses and more than 1,300 volunteers.
The 14-acre property includes the Alvord Barn and a large rain garden near Bear Creek. Paula J. Del Giudice is the executive director.
Getting Started
New participants fill out the intake questionnaire on the center's website, and a team member follows up. Lessons and sessions run 42 weeks a year, Monday through Saturday, with each rider or patient scheduled once a week at the same time.
As listed, adaptive riding is $115 per lesson after a $95 assessment. Hippotherapy is $165 per 45-minute treatment after a $264 evaluation, and EFP is $150 per 45-minute treatment after a $200 evaluation, with a facility use fee for therapy sessions. The center does not bill insurance but provides a superbill. Tuition aid is available, and families who need help with the cost can apply.
Location
Little Bit is at 18675 NE 106th Street, Redmond, WA 98052, on a 14-acre property near Bear Creek.
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?
Complete the intake questionnaire on the Become a Participant page. For help, call (425) 882-1554 or email registration@littlebit.org.
Does Little Bit take insurance?
The center does not bill insurers directly. It provides a superbill for hippotherapy and EFP that you can submit yourself.
Is there a summer camp?
Yes. Summer camp weeks run in July and August, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with eight spots per week and no riding experience required. As listed, a camp week is $675, plus a $95 assessment for first-time campers, and riders must weigh 190 lbs or less.
Is financial help available?
Yes. Tuition aid can be used for adaptive riding or therapy, though not for assessments or evaluations, and typically covers about 45% of tuition. There is a $65 application fee.
Location
Redmond, Washington 98052
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.