Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center
Ellensburg, Washington
Spirit Therapeutic Riding Center (Spirit TRC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Ellensburg, Washington, that offers equine-assisted activities for people with physical, emotional and learning disabilities, seniors and learners who need extra support. Its programs include therapeutic riding and horsemanship, a life skills program with local school districts, reading sessions with horses, senior programs and summer day camps.
- Therapeutic horsemanship and riding lessons
- Life Skills program for special education classrooms
- Reading Round Pen (reading and homework with a horse)
- Senior Supports, on site and at senior living communities
- Three-day summer day camps
- Volunteer opportunities
- People with physical disabilities
- People with emotional disabilities
- People with learning disabilities
- Students in special education classrooms
- Seniors
- School-age children of all abilities (summer camp)
More about this center
About the Program
Spirit TRC says its goal is to focus on capabilities and promote independence. Participants are supported by horses, volunteers and PATH Intl. certified instructors, and therapeutic riding lessons last one hour. Riders range in age from 3 to 62, the center says.
The Life Skills program brings special education classes from local school districts to the barn, where students rotate through stations that build decision-making, communication and independence. Reading Round Pen pairs struggling learners with a horse to read to or do homework with, followed by grooming. Senior Supports offers horse companionship and horsemanship activities at the center and at assisted living, skilled nursing and senior community settings. Summer day camps run three days each and include horsemanship and riding, crafts, snacks and games.
History
Founder Evelyn Pederson volunteered and later taught at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center in Woodinville before earning her PATH Intl. instructor certification. She opened Spirit TRC in Ellensburg in August 2006, and the center has been a PATH Intl. member since then. Pederson is the executive director.
The Horses and Facility
The center says it has six horses, acquired in different ways and with help from community donations, including Tootsie Roll, Lad, Trapper II and Captain. It accepts geldings only, aged 8 to 15, with excellent ground manners and backgrounds such as 4-H, roping, ranching, dressage or trail riding.
The indoor arena, built in 2009, is a fully enclosed 70 by 140 foot sand arena with a grooming and tacking area, mounting ramp, offside ramp, Surehands lift system and a viewing room for families and volunteers. The 72 by 170 foot outdoor sand arena also has mounting and offside ramps and looks out over the valley.
Volunteering
Volunteers work as horse handlers, sidewalkers and student supports, and also help with the facility, office, events and fundraising. No horse experience is needed. Volunteers must be at least 14, or 12 to 14 with adult supervision, and attend annual training. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Geri Lund at Volunteer@spirittrc.com or 425-919-9244.
Location
Spirit TRC is at 1051 Sorenson Rd., Ellensburg, WA 98926, in the Badger Pocket area southeast of Ellensburg. The mailing address is PO Box 953, Ellensburg, WA 98926.
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?
Call Evelyn Pederson at 509-929-1401 to set up a meet and greet. The visit includes a facility tour, paperwork and an evaluation to match the rider with a suitable horse.
What ages does Spirit TRC serve?
Riders range in age from 3 to 62. Summer day camps are for school-age children of all abilities.
How much do lessons cost?
Lesson fees are paid through the center's online payment page. Call 509-929-1401 or email spirit@spirittrc.com to ask about current rates.
When do lessons run?
Lessons run Tuesday through Saturday from April through November, in sessions of four to six weeks.
Location
Ellensburg, Washington 98926
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.