We need you
Amazon.com Wish List
If you prefer to give a specific gift, we have created an Amazon Wish List of high priority items needed to provide a safe, fun learning environment. The items are listed in order of priority so that we may continue to provide the most effective Therapeutic intervention possible. Special attention is provided to keep this list up to date and current for your convenience.
Rider and Horse Sponsorships
Because we believe strongly that each child with a challenging diagnosis derserves the opportunity to achieve greatness beyond expectations, we offer high quality Equine-assisted Services free of charge to ALL clients. Please click on this section to learn how you can sponsor a child or a horse. Will you help us help them?
Volunteer Training
NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic all Volunteer Training dates have been postponed. Please email SpiritRideNC@gmail.com if you would like to be placed on the mailing list and receive the latest updates. Those wishing to volunteer must complete the Online SRTC Volunteer Certification Webinar. Topics covered are: Equine Safety, Overview of Exceptionalities, SRTC Procedures, and Best Practices for Working With Specific Populations. After successful completion of the course, volunteers may purchase a Spirit Ride T-Shirt at cost ($15.00) and be eliganle to join a Therapy Team.
CLIENT APPLICATIONS
NOTE: Due to COVID-19, we are enforcing safety protocols for the protection of our families, volunteers and animals. This may limit our ability to accept new clients at this time. Please email SpiritRideNC@gmail.com if you would like to be placed on the mailing list and receive the latest updates. To provide the most attentive atmosphere possible, there is only one client family on campus at any time. All lessons are private and individualzed. Therefore, the amount of clients we serve is limited. After registration closes, clients will be put on a waiting list and will be notified as soon as an opening becomes available. We encourage you to submit applications as soon as possible so that you will be closer to the “front of the line” on the waiting list for any session you wish to register for.
What We Do
Spirit Ride is committed to providing private Equine-assisted Services free of charge to all accepted clients. Through working with the client’s Therapy Team (Educators, Community Professionals and Parents/Guardians) we are able to create an ideal environment relating to the individual client's specific needs. We give our undivided attention to the client and his/her equine partner for the entire duration of each session so that we may provide an opportunity to foster learning and personal growth (self-esteem, boundary setting, appropriate social interaction, as well as any cognitive or physical goals).
To provide children with special needs the opportunity to learn, grow and strive to become their ideal selves through equine related therapeutic activities.
Spirit Ride is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that serves Western North Carolina.
The movement and sensory stimuli produce measurable results, but the magic comes from the accessible spirit of the horse that naturally speaks to the human soul.
Whether you want to provide a unique opportunity for your child, or feel drawn to donate or volunteer - there is a place for you at Spirit Ride.
WHOOPDEEDO! (Looking for a sponsor for 2021)

WHOOPDEEDO is the most expressive horse we have ever known. He smiles, pouts, talks under his breath, and the kids crack up when he shakes his head up and down to say, "Yes!". He has a heart right on his cheek which is perfect for kisses and Whoop is so clever he even has his own Facebook page! For more information on how to sponsor Whoopdeedo for the 2021 season, please email SpiritRideNC@gmail.com
BROGAN (Sponsored by the LaCapra Family)

BROGAN is the newest member of the Spirit Ride herd. He was rescued by Horse Helpers of the High Country after being caught up in the annual Grayson Highlands feral pony roundup. Being separated from his mother at only two months old, he became depressed, wouldn't eat, and came down with pneumonia. Horse Helpers lovingly brought him back to good health and soon realized that he was great with children. We were fortunate to have been able to adopt him and raise him for a career in the therapeutic field. He LOVES his 'job' and is a very special and well loved little pony! Brogan is sponosred by the LaCapra Family. For information on how you can sponsor a horse for the 2021 season, email us at SpiritRideNC@gmail.com
JAX (Sponsored by the Chong Family)

JAX is the oldest member of the Spirit Ride herd. He was raised and trained by one of the country's top trainers, Jim Frazier. He loves to snuggle, has the sweetest 'hello' whinny and looks forward to finding lost snacks in wheelchairs. Jax is sponsored by the Chong Family. For information on sponsoring a horse for the 2018 season, please email SpiritRideNC@gmail.com
BUDDY (Sponsored by the Hawk Family)

BUDDY is a 13.3 little pony, but don't let his size fool you - he's the herd leader at SRTC. He was rescued from a situation where he did not view people as beings who could care for him and treat him with love. Because of that, he understands our clients who have unfortunately had to live through similar situations. He can still be very guarded - but once you've earned his trust - he will follow you anywhere. Buddy is sponsored by the Hawk Family. For information on how you can sponsor a horse, please email us at: SpiritRideNC@gmail.com
Our Team

Patty Adams, CEIP-ED

Craig Adams

Karen Chong

Mary Belanger

Caila Hall

Melissa Thomas

Katie Wallace
