VARHA

150 Wagner Drive
Franklin, PA 16323

814-437-RIDE (7433) VARHA, the Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association, was founded in March of 1980.

VARHA has been providing therapeutic horseback riding for children, adolescents, and adults with special needs ever since. Dr. Louis and Mary Wagner are considered to be the founders of VARHA. The program got its start by using borrowed horses and holding therapy sessions at the Venango County 4-H fairgrounds. In 1994, 40 acres of land was purchased from Polk Center and the current facility became

a reality. A 13-stall barn and outdoor arena were built in 1995, utilizing mainly volunteer labor. An indoor, insulated arena was completed in 1997, with an office and classroom being added at a later date. A rotational gazing and pasture watering system for the horses was installed in 2011. An additional 8.14 acres was purchased in 2012. An old house and rubble from an old barn were cleared from the newly acquired land in 2013. The remaining buildings are used to house farm equipment and for storage. The added land is being used for haying and outdoor riding trails. VARHA continues to grow and help more members of the community each year. The program offerings were expanded over the last several years to include therapeutic riding programs for families in drug & alcohol and mental health treatment, 'at risk' youth, and young riders (ages 3-7) with documented special needs. VARHA also offers a 'Horses for Healing' program to assist military veterans and other adults who have experienced some sort of life-changing trauma.

07/16/2026

In everyone’s best interest, Yoga at VARHA has been rescheduled.

Thank you for your continued support of VARHA and we’ll see you in August!

📢 Yoga at VARHA Postponed

We hate to share this news, but Yoga at VARHA has been postponed due to the poor air quality and the forecasted rain.

The health and safety of everyone involved is our top priority—people and animals alike. We want to make sure this special evening can be enjoyed safely by our participants, volunteers, and the incredible therapy horses that make VARHA so special.

The event has been rescheduled to Saturday, August 22nd at 7:00 PM.

If you were already registered, you have automatically been moved to the new date—no action is needed on your part.

If you’re unable to attend on August 22nd, please send us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

Thank you so much for your understanding and continued support of VARHA. We can’t wait to share this beautiful evening with you next month. ❤️

02/17/2026

Volunteers are such a big part of the heart of VARHA, bringing joy, encouragement and positivity to our riders. If you would like to learn more, please join us on March 21st.
💕

02/10/2026

The days are getting longer, the sun will shine warmer and the snow will eventually melt 🤞😊, and VARHA will begin a wonderful season of programs!

The 2026 registration forms are now available on our website!

www.varha.org

02/07/2026

The snow is deep, the temps frigid, but when we look out and see these silly kids….it’s all joy! 😁💕

01/06/2026

With all the snow on the ground, snowflakes in the air and ice balls on whiskers, it’s hard to believe that our 2026 riding season is just around the corner!
We’ll keep you posted and look forward to seeing you in 2026😁!
Happy New Year!

Address

150 Wagner Drive
Franklin, PA
16323

Telephone

+18144377433

Website

http://www.varha.org/

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