Equi-Ed Therapeutic Riding Program

Equi-Ed is a 501c3 non-profit which offers horsemanship instruction, competition opportunities and specialized educational programs to children and adults with disabilities. Santa Rosa Junior College Agriculture department offers a course, Introduction to Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, taught by Equi-Ed's director, Maxine Freitas.

Lessons are held at our community-based program in northern Santa Rosa, close to Safari West.

Equi-Ed is a member center of the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) as such, the program meets the highest standards of safety established in the industry.

All instructors have completed specialized training in therapeutic riding and hold registered or advanced level certification.

To best meet the individual needs of clients, consultation or assessment with Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapists, as well as Adapted Physical Education specialists and Special Education teachers may be arranged. Six different equines of varying breed, size, gait and demeanor serve to meet the varying and individual needs of our riders.

Equi-Ed actively works to promote public awareness of therapeutic riding through student riding demonstrations, and public speaking engagements to organizations and corporations.

A host of volunteer opportunites exist ranging from helping with horse care and barn chores, working as a leader or side-walker in lessons, assisting with camps, fundraising, special events, P.R. and marketing, maintenance, newsletters, and much more.