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We need you

Whether you want to provide a unique opportunity for your child, or feel drawn to volunteer - there is a place for you at Spirit Ride.
Go to Amazon.com Wish List

Amazon.com Wish List

Our horses 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 intervention possible. Special attention is provided to keep this list up to date and current for your convenience.

Go to annual fundraiser 5/3/25

annual fundraiser 5/3/25

Our Kentucky Derby Fundraiser is the main method of raising funds for operating costs at Spirit Ride. Because we do not charge a fee for services, this fundraiser is critical to our financial health. Please email us at SPIRITRIDESPONSORSHIP@GMAIL.COM if you are interested in helping with the Derby in any way. We need anything from Auction Items to Corporate Sponsors. Tickets will go on sale the first day of Disabilities Awareness month, March 1, 2025.

Volunteer Training

The next Volunteer Training Class to become a Sidewalker during lessons will be held in the Spring of 2025. Topics to be covered will be: Safety around horses, SRTC Procedures, and Best Practices for Working With Specific Populations. If you are interested in helping out with horse care and barn chores during the winter months at Spirit Ride please let us know – We’d love to have you!

Go to CLIENT APPLICATIONS

CLIENT APPLICATIONS

Because all lessons are private and individualized, the amount of clients we serve is limited. New applicants will be placed on a waiting list. We encourage you to submit an application as soon as possible so that you will be closer to the “front of the line”. We are now accepting applications for the SPRING Session for 2024. To download an application please click the logo above this section.

Spirit Ride is proud to have achieved the highest level of transparency via Guidestar.org. Guidestar is the nation's leading non-profit database and the first place one should visit to learn about a specific non-profit. Visit Guidestar and make an informed donation decision.

What We Do

Equine Assisted Services (EAS) involves the implementation of Equine Assisted Learning in Education and Therapeutic Riding in an effort to achieve goals that enhance physical, emotional, social, cognitive, behavioral and educational skills for children with a wide array of diagnosis.
Individualized specifically for each child.

Spirit Ride is committed to providing private Equine-assisted Services free of charge to all accepted clients. Through working with Community Professionals (educators, therapists,and physicians) 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 selected).

  • To provide children with a wide array of diagnosis, the opportunity to learn, grow and strive to become their ideal selves through equine assisted services.

  • Spirit Ride is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves children ages 3-17 in Western North Carolina. All clients must be referred by a community professional.

  • Facilitated by SpiritHorse Internationl certified, trained equine interaction professionals, the movement and sensory stimuli produce measurable results, while the accessible spirit of the horse 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.

Meet Our Therapists

WHOOPDEEDO!

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!

BUDDY

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. He is a loyal friend to his riders and is very much loved in return.

BROGAN

BROGAN is the 'Little Bro' of the Spirit Ride herd. He was rescued 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. 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 makes all of us laugh. His favorite past time is pestering his older brothers, especially Buddy, rolls his eyes and says, "Oh little Bro-Bro, you're lucky you're so cute!"

JAX

JAX was the oldest member of the Spirit Ride herd and was respected and loved by his equine and human friends alike. He loved to snuggle and had the sweetest 'hello' nicker. One of his favorite pastimes was finding lost snacks in wheelchairs. Never was there a horse who loved his job so much. He would walk past anyone and through anything to get to his kids and he missed them so much during the winter months. Spring was his favorite season because that is when he knew he would see his riders again. Dear Jax, you will always be loved - never forgotten - and you spirit will live in our hearts forever. Ride on sweet boy - let your spirit soar!

Our Team

We have found our purpose.

Patty Adams, CEIP-ED

Executive Director
Having taught special education in public school for many years – Patty now enjoys the outdoors as her classroom. She received her CTRI certification in 2014 and became a board certified Equine Interaction Professional in Education in 2017. Her love of horses, the arts, and education are a perfect fit for Spirit Ride!

Craig Adams

President of the Board and CEO
Craig enjoyed a succesful career in the telecommunications industry for over thirty years. While his technical skills are appreciated at Spirit Ride, his giving spirit and caring heart have proven to be his most valuable assets.

Karen Chong

Chair of Development Committee
Karen comes to us with an extensive background in fundraising and leadership development. Having served as President of the Jr. League as well as serving on the board of organizations such as the Children’s Museum of Portland, OR, she is a valuable resource to Spirit Ride.

Mary Belanger

Curriculum Director
Mary Belanger, a retired educator from Watauga County and certified SpiritHorse Instructor, has a BAE in Elementary Education, a Masters in Gifted Education and is a Reading Specialist. Being a gifted educator who was born to teach, she was unable to stop teaching after retirement. Spirit Ride has given her the opportunity to enjoy her passion for horses and education and we are thrilled to have access to her vast experience.

Caila Leonard

Board of Directors
Caila is has been an intregal part of Spirit Ride since it’s inaugural year. Her willingness to always do whatever it takes to get the job done is a valuable asset to her riders as well as to the organization as a whole. As a certified volunteer and horse handler, Caila can often be found training the horses after a lesson or brainstorming ways to make SRTC as effective as it can be!

Lizzie Moralic

Event Planning/Fundraising Intern
Graduating this spring with a major in Hospitality and Tourism Management and a minor in Digital Marketing from App Stae, Lizzie has a passion for creating memorable and exciting events for others. Her love for animals and the outdoors thrives in the High Country where she enjoys taking her dog on walks and going to the river.

Saskia van de gevel

VP/Fundraising
Dr. van de Gevel is a Professor at Appalachian State University and Chair of the Department of Geography and Planning…but around here she is most famous for being ‘Luke’s Mom’. Her son Luke has been riding at Spirit Ride for eight years and his favorite part is riding Buddy while his dad, Mark, sings Off to Cattle Town!

Malene Guyn

Instructor

Please support our Sponsors: Hidden Hills Equestrian, The Art of Living Retreat Center, and Highland Property Pros/Turf Solutions.

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