On Eagles’ Wings
Fairmont, West Virginia
On Eagles' Wings Therapeutic Horsemanship is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Fairmont, West Virginia, that serves children and adults with physical, cognitive, emotional and social disabilities. Its website lists therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning, leadership workshops and a miniature horse outreach program, and describes the center as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center.
- Therapeutic riding (adaptive riding lessons)
- Hippotherapy with a licensed physical therapist
- Equine-assisted learning ("Wingin' It") for partner groups
- Equine-assisted leadership development workshops
- Mini Wings miniature horse visits
- Volunteer program
- Children with disabilities
- Adults with disabilities
- People with physical, cognitive, emotional and social challenges
- At-risk youth
- People in substance abuse recovery programs
- Schools, universities and businesses (leadership workshops)
More about this center
About the Program
On Eagles' Wings began as a backyard program with two horses and five participants and accepted its first riders in September 2007. It moved to its current facility in 2016 and serves North Central West Virginia.
Therapeutic riding lessons are structured around each rider's physical skill level and often include educational activities on horseback. The center says its leadership trainings help fund scholarships.
Hippotherapy is offered through a partnership with Good Pediatric Rehabilitation, LLC. It is provided by Rachael Biesecker, DPT, a physical therapist with American Hippotherapy Association Level 2 training, as part of a prescribed treatment plan.
Group and Community Programs
The "Wingin' It" equine-assisted learning program runs group sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, where participants learn basic horsemanship, do volunteer work and take part in activities with the horses. The website lists Monongalia County Excel, Gateway of Uniontown and WisePath of Morgantown as partners.
Leadership workshops for schools, universities and companies are held at the center in association with Leadership Adventures. Through Mini Wings, the center's miniature horses visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries.
Staff and WVU Ties
Carol Petitto, Ph.D., is the founder and executive director and is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist. Stephanie VanGilder is program director and is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Several West Virginia University equine studies courses are taught at the facility, and many volunteers are WVU students or alumni.
Volunteering
Volunteers help with 60-minute riding lessons and must complete the center's training, which includes a private tour. Volunteers must be at least 16 to work without supervision. Contact volunteeroew@gmail.com to apply.
Location
The center is at 371 Opekiska Ridge Rd., Fairmont, WV 26554, off Interstate 79 between Morgantown and Fairmont.
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 for therapeutic riding?
The website directs applicants to Carol Petitto, executive director, at 304-288-9748 or oneagleswingswva@gmail.com.
How much do lessons cost?
Therapeutic riding lessons are $30 each for private, double and group lessons.
How do I arrange hippotherapy?
Contact Good Pediatric Rehabilitation at 304-615-0994 or therapist Rachael Biesecker at 304-674-5558. General questions can go to the center at 304-368-1221.
Can a school or agency bring a group?
Yes. The center invites groups to reach out about equine-assisted learning or Mini Wings visits by calling 304-368-1221 or emailing oneagleswingswva@gmail.com.
Location
Fairmont, West Virginia 26554
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.