Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding Association
Wilson, Wyoming
Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding (JHTR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Wilson, Wyoming, with a riding facility that has views of the Tetons. It offers adaptive riding, occupational therapy using hippotherapy, a free program for veterans and equine-assisted learning. The center says it serves individuals of all ages and abilities, along with families and veterans.
- Adaptive riding lessons (ages 3 and up)
- Hippotherapy led by a licensed occupational therapist
- Veteran Equine Therapy (V.E.T.), free to participants
- Equine-assisted learning, unmounted (ages 4 and up)
- Making Memories sessions for visitors to Jackson Hole
- Spanish-language participant application
- Children and adults with physical, cognitive and emotional needs
- Children with autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, developmental delays, traumatic brain injury or neuromuscular disorders
- U.S. military veterans and active-duty service members
- Visiting individuals and groups
- Families
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding lessons at JHTR are taught by PATH-certified instructors and focus on balance, coordination, strength, social skills and confidence. The occupational therapy program uses hippotherapy, guided by a licensed occupational therapist, for children with conditions such as developmental delays, sensory processing disorders, autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome.
Veteran Equine Therapy offers individual lessons or group retreats with groundwork, mindfulness, riding skills and trail rides. It is offered at no cost to veterans and active-duty service members, and no prior horse experience or referral is needed. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
For the occupational therapy and veteran programs, sessions usually run 45 minutes, plus time for mounting and dismounting, and are typically held weekly during the operating season, May through October.
History and Staff
JHTR was founded in 1993 by Robin Lightner, DeDe McDonald and Elaine Infanger as a grassroots adaptive riding program. It was recognized as a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in 2000 and added Veteran Equine Therapy in 2013.
Tori Plennes is the executive director, Samantha Melton is the program director and Jessica Eastman is the occupational therapist. The center reports more than 1,200 therapeutic sessions and over 3,000 volunteer hours each year.
Getting Started
New riders complete the Participant Application and Medical Release Form on the JHTR website. The program director then contacts the family to schedule an intake meeting. A physician's statement and complete medical history are required before riding.
The center says 65% of participants receive scholarships. For current rates and insurance options, call 307.733.1374 or email info@jhtr.org. Volunteers must be at least 14, need no horse experience, and complete an online application and training.
Location
The riding facility is at 3870 N Wilderness Drive, Wilson, WY 83014, on the north end of the C-V Residential Campus. It has a covered indoor arena, an outdoor arena, paddocks, a therapy room and an office. Mail goes to PO Box 415, Teton Village, WY 83025, not the facility address.
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 Participant Application and Medical Release Form on jhtr.org. The program director will contact you to schedule an intake meeting.
Do I need a referral?
No. No referral is required to participate, but participants need a signed physician's statement and a complete medical history under PATH Intl. guidelines.
What does it cost?
The veteran program is free. Scholarships are available for other programs; call 307.733.1374 or email info@jhtr.org for current rates and insurance options.
When are lessons held?
Occupational therapy and veteran sessions are typically weekly during the operating season, May through October. Call 307.733.1374 for lesson times.
Location
Wilson, Wyoming 83014
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.