Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center

Spirit Ride Therapeutic Riding Center Spirit Ride is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to helping children with disabilities Volunteers are an integral part of our organization.

Located in the Appalachian mountains of western North Carolina, near summer retreats and ski resorts, "Spirit Ride" is enriching the lives of the special needs community. Equine Therapy has been proven to assist with neurological, cognitive, language, emotional and social, and fine/gross motor development. We understand that having a family member with special needs has an effect on the family uni

t as a whole – both blessings and challenges. We believe that to best serve the child’s needs we must serve the entire family. Therefore, the Spirit Ride program encourages family participation in all therapeutic riding sessions. This not only assists in the growth and healing of each family member but also helps to transfer the therapeutic intervention from the session to the day-to-day home life of the child. As a direct result of the application of the SpiritHorse methodology by certified instructors, our ‘parent organization’, SpiritHorse International, has witnessed hundreds of children speak their first words and walk their first steps. A study by a leading medical school recently published in the peer-reviewed ‘Journal for Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine’ showed that 24 children were moved from severely autistic to mildly autistic and one to non-autistic in just six months of intervention with SpiritHorse’s research-based, award-winning methods. We, at Spirit Ride, a licensed SpiritHorse Therapeutic Center, aim to continue those good works and facilitate many more success stories. We are unique in that we provide all private Therapeutic Horseback Riding services free of charge to children with special needs. Not only can Therapeutic Riding change the lives of the riders and their families, but the giving people who choose to volunteer often receive much more from their experiences than they ever thought possible. Please keep this program in your thoughts and consider joining us on our journey to health, happiness, and soaring spirits!

Sign up for Volunteer Training 5/23/26. No experience needed. Commit one hour a week. Make a HUGE difference in the life...
05/14/2026

Sign up for Volunteer Training 5/23/26. No experience needed. Commit one hour a week. Make a HUGE difference in the life of a child. 🐴

Please click the link to complete this form.

Bidding starts today - don't miss out on some great deals! Every dollar goes directly to Spirit Ride Equine Assisted Le...
04/30/2026

Bidding starts today - don't miss out on some great deals! Every dollar goes directly to Spirit Ride Equine Assisted Learning.

We’re thrilled to announce that the 2026 Spirit Ride Silent Auction opens today! Bidding will remain open through Saturday, May 2 at 8:00 PM EST.

Just added! A Round of Golf for Four at Blowing Rock Country Cub! https://srtc.betterworld.org/auctions/spirit-ride-derb...
04/27/2026

Just added! A Round of Golf for Four at Blowing Rock Country Cub! https://srtc.betterworld.org/auctions/spirit-ride-derby-day-auction/items/tee-high-luxury-golf-experience

Bidding opens this Thursday at 9am.

Blowing Rock Country Club boasts North Carolina's only Seth Raynor golf course, a destination for true mountain golf since 1915. A classic mountain golf course with elevation changes, narrow fairways and fast-paced greens presenting precise targets, it rewards accuracy over distance.

What: ONLINE SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISERWho: Spirit Ride Equine Assisted Learning CenterWhen: Thursday, April 30th - Satur...
04/27/2026

What: ONLINE SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER
Who: Spirit Ride Equine Assisted Learning Center
When: Thursday, April 30th - Saturday, May 2nd
Where: https://srtc.betterworld.org

Please help us so that we can help them!

Thank you to longtime friend of Spirit Ride, Julie Jacobson for becoming the newest member of our Infinite Possibilities...
04/26/2026

Thank you to longtime friend of Spirit Ride, Julie Jacobson for becoming the newest member of our Infinite Possibilities Partnership! The Grounded in Trust partner funds the vital first week of groundwork, where the journey begins heart-to-heart. Before a rider ever takes the reins, they spend these essential moments side-by-side with their horse—learning to groom, lead, and listen. Your support provides the quiet space needed for a child to feel safe, seen, and supported, proving that every great journey starts with a solid foundation.

Thank you Ms. Julie!! We love your giving 'spirit' year after year!! YOU are making a difference. Click here to learn more:

To provide children with a wide array of diagnosis the opportunity to learn, grow and strive to become their ideal selves through equine related therapeutic and educational activities.

Our Spirit Ride Derby Online Auction opens April 30 and runs through May 2—and today we’re highlighting something that t...
04/26/2026

Our Spirit Ride Derby Online Auction opens April 30 and runs through May 2—and today we’re highlighting something that truly matters: your well-being.

We are deeply grateful for these wellness partners who show up for our riders year after year. When you support them, you’re also supporting the children and families we serve. It’s a meaningful exchange—care for yourself while giving back.

✨ Featured Wellness Experiences:
•Art of Living Retreat Center
Enjoy a restorative Day Pass (valued at $175) including R&R workshops, yoga, meditation, nourishing vegetarian meals, and access to hiking trails, the labyrinth, fitness room, and sauna.

• Neighborhood Yoga
Two one-class passes (valued at $36) to help you move, breathe, and reset.

• 180 Float Spa
Relax and recover with ONE 60-minute float and ONE 40-minute infrared sauna session (valued at $128).

• Heavenly Touch Day Spa & Tanning
Escape to the serene and award-winning Heavenly Touch Day Spa, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northwestern North Carolina. Treat yourself or a loved one to an unforgettable spa experience with a $100 Gift Card.

These experiences are more than items—they’re an invitation to slow down, recharge, and take care of yourself in a way that lasts.Browse, bid, and support something bigger than all of us.


Click this link to view the auction items and find some great deals:
https://srtc.betterworld.org/auctions/spirit-ride-derby-day-auction

Days of Service with students from Appalachian State University.
04/18/2026

Days of Service with students from Appalachian State University.

Thank you to all of Santa's little elves who made sure the Spirit Ride horses had a wonderful Christmas. They are the be...
01/06/2026

Thank you to all of Santa's little elves who made sure the Spirit Ride horses had a wonderful Christmas. They are the best horses ever and truly deserve the love and care they get from everyone involved in the Spirit Ride Family. NOTE: If you didn't get a thank you note from the ponies, please let us know. Some of the elves didn't leave a note or it got lost in Santa's Bag. We want to be sure to thank you!!

Sending out most sincere thanks to our families for allowing us to be a part of their lives, our volunteers for their ha...
11/27/2025

Sending out most sincere thanks to our families for allowing us to be a part of their lives, our volunteers for their hard work dedication to our children and horses and to our donors and friends for their never-wavering belief in our cause. Wishing you all the happiest of Thanksgivings!

Address

7156 NC Highway 194 S
Banner Elk, NC
28604

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