All Horse Care & Horseback Riding Programs

A girl and a young volunteer feeding a horse through a wooden fence on a farm or ranch with trees in the background.
A logo for US Horse Welfare & Rescue featuring a navy horse silhouette with a red background, a white heart, and text in white and red.

Horsemanship Programs

Be a part of something bigger in your community by helping care for USHWR’s rescued horses! From learning horsemanship to barn management, these programs help build life skills, confidence, and friendships in our welcoming and devoted community.

  • Three women bathing a large black and brown horse in a stable with wooden walls.

    Youth Summer Camps

    AGES 6 - 18. Our summer programs offer children the opportunity to learn horse care skills while they enjoy fresh air, games, crafts, lunch and more.

    SEE SUMMER CAMPS
  • A young girl with light blonde hair, wearing a turquoise shirt with a unicorn graphic, hugging a white horse with light brown patches and a blonde mane in a wooded outdoor area.

    Youth After School Programs

    AGES 6 - 18. Our after school programs invite children to learn horse care skills while they enjoy fresh air, games, crafts and more.

    YOUTH PROGRAMS
  • Three children wearing helmets petting a small pony in a stable area with brick walls and a covered roof.

    Youth Vacation Camps

    Ages 6 - 18. Check out our youth Holiday and vacation camps. We always have new ones popping up so stop by often.

    See all camps
  • An elderly woman in a blue jacket petting a brown horse while another person holds the horse's halter.

    Seniors with Horses

    A unique opportunity for seniors to visit, groom, feed, and enjoy our rescue horses in a tranquil and serene environment. Individual Monday visits. (Not a riding program)

    Learn more here
  • Close-up of an American flag waving.

    Veterans

    AGES 18+. Our Horses and Heroes weekly sessions honor veterans & provide a unique path to personal growth, while also teaching them the inherently therapeutic benefits of horsemanship skills.

    VETERANS PROGRAMS
  • A woman with a braid hairstyle and casual workout clothes smiling at a large black horse outdoors during daytime.

    Striding Forward Therapeutic Programs

    AGES 8+. experience the magic of connecting with horses while learning horsemanship and life skills and finding new ways of coping with everyday stressors.

    Learn more
  • A horse with a dark coat and a white mark on its face is leaning over a wooden fence, appearing to nibble or lick the photographer. The background shows a winter scene with snow on the ground and leafless trees.

    Adult Horse Care Programs

    AGES 18+. Offering both fun group adult programs to comprehensive horsemanship covering safe handling of horses up to and horse trailering.

    ADULT HORSE CARE PROGRAMS

Proceeds from our programs go toward the rescue and ongoing care of horses in need of help. Thank you for joining our community.

Two young girls riding horses in an indoor riding arena, both wearing helmets and casual riding attire, with a wooden and metal structure in the background.
Nod Hill Equestrian logo with a silhouette of a girl riding a horse above the text.

Riding Programs

Beginning to advanced riders can find the instruction and community they are looking for through our Nod Hill Equestrian Center, located at the USHWR.

Our horses are never tools or instruments, they are instead, our partners. They provide constant feedback to the rider, we just need to learn how to listen. USHWR also helps riders recognize the impact of their thoughts and emotions on their connection, the horse, and their riding. Our philosophy of horsemanship allows our rescues to “just be a horse” for several months when they arrive. As a result, we find our horses are happy to be in work, relaxed, tolerant, make great teachers, and are very receptive to riders. Come see why our riding programs are unparalleled.

A girl with long blonde hair wearing a helmet, laughing next to a brown horse with a pink unicorn costume on its head in a park.

Riding Lessons

USHWR now offers English Hunt Seat and Western riding lessons for ages 4 and up. We also offer Dressage lessons for ages 6 and up on specific days. Led by a team of passionate instructors, we offer an unforgettable journey through the world of horsemanship.

We also have special programs designed just for children to instill confidence, respect, and a love for these majestic creatures, all while having an absolute blast! Our dedicated instructors are not only highly skilled equestrians but also possess a special knack for working with children. With their patient guidance, even the most timid riders find themselves trotting with joy in no time. From learning the basics of grooming and tacking to mastering the art of riding with finesse, our instructors make every lesson an exciting and enriching experience.

Our oversized outdoor white sand arena is now complemented by our new indoor arena, permitting us to ride and work with the horses year-round.

Three people riding horses on a trail in a wooded area, wearing helmets.

Youth Equestrian Academy

The Equestrian Academy at US Horse Welfare and Rescue offers a dynamic experience tailored for children aged 6-18 who crave an immersive journey into the world of horsemanship. Designed for those seeking more – more riding, more knowledge, and more time with horses – our academy provides an enriched curriculum that goes beyond the confines of traditional riding programs. Unlike the typical once-a-week sessions, academy students enjoy the thrill of riding twice a week, allowing for deeper immersion and accelerated skill development. Moreover, our comprehensive program extends beyond the saddle, equipping students with a robust foundation in horsemanship that surpasses conventional standards.

Beyond the invaluable riding and horsemanship education, the Equestrian Academy serves as a vibrant hub for forging meaningful connections. Here, children have the opportunity to form bonds with like-minded peers, fostering friendships that extend beyond the arena. This enriching social environment not only cultivates camaraderie but also expands each child's social reach, providing a supportive community where they can thrive both on and off the horse. Join us at the Equestrian Academy and embark on an unforgettable journey where passion, knowledge, and friendship converge.

A person gently holding the face of a horse with both hands.

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

At USHWR, Therapeutic Riding stands as a vital component among our array of Equine-Assisted Therapeutic Activities, all aimed at fostering growth and well-being within our community. Through our holistic approach to horsemanship, we emphasize the profound connection between rider and horse, providing a unique avenue for individuals with cognitive and/or mental health disorders to cultivate invaluable social skills and bolster their confidence through positive interactions with our rescue horses and peers.

Our Therapeutic Riding Lessons are meticulously tailored to accommodate the specific needs of each individual student, catering to diagnoses such as ADD, ADHD, anxiety, autism, depression, PTSD, sensory disorders, and a range of other cognitive, emotional, and learning disabilities. These carefully crafted sessions are designed to provide a supportive environment where riders can flourish, with lesson prices typically aligning with our standard rates. For further details or to arrange an evaluation, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support and guide you on your journey toward growth and empowerment.

A word search puzzle titled 'DRESSAGE' with a list of related words and a grid of letters for finding them, published by Education.com.

Kids’s corner

Dressage and Discover – Summer Word Search Fun!

Children riding horses in an outdoor riding lesson, with an instructor guiding one rider and other children waiting, all wearing helmets, in a sandy riding arena surrounded by green trees.
Two people standing behind a table at a charity event for US horses, with signs and merchandise on display, including T-shirts and baked goods, against a brick wall with decorations.
Two children are on a barn ledge, unloading hay using a red conveyor belt while an open barn door is visible behind them, surrounded by green leaves.