Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center

06/05/2026

Fly masks are protective, mesh head coverings primarily used for horses. They act as a wearable shield to keep biting insects away from sensitive areas like the eyes, ears, and muzzle ☀️

Designed with semi-transparent, breathable mesh, they provide several essential benefits:

➡️Pest Control: They prevent flies, gnats, and mosquitoes from landing on the face, which helps reduce the risk of eye infections, sores, and the spread of disease.

➡️Sun & UV Protection: Many masks offer built-in UV blocking, which is particularly vital for horses with white markings, pink skin on their muzzles, or eye issues (like equine recurrent uveitis).

➡️Comfort & Focus: They stop horses from frantically rubbing their faces against fences or themselves to get rid of pests, and they protect sensitive eyes from bright sunlight.

You can choose between different styles, such as masks with or without ear and muzzle coverage, depending on your horse’s specific needs 🥕

As essential as these masks are for our herd, we have to replace them when they are ripped, the Velcro loosens - or worse - the horses make them disappear! 🙄

You can always donate barn funds on our website, or contact Michele at [email protected] to see how you can help! 🙏🏼

06/03/2026

⚪️Riverwood’s own Michele Carter (Executive Director / Header Trainer) was featured in the June 2026 issue of “Women On The Move.”⚪️

Congratulations to Michele on being recognized as an outstanding leader in our community! 🙏🏼 And of course, thank you to Spots for allowing his picture to be published 🤣

Pick up a copy around town or just simply check it out above! ⬆️

06/01/2026

On Saturday (May 30), Michele & Spots and Amanda & Truffles attended a Benefit Obstacle Clinic with and Laura Hebard at in Statesville, NC ☀️

Obstacle courses give our horses stimulation and enrichment opportunities to promote their mental and physical well-being📈

Obstacles on-site included, but were not limited to: pedestal, teeter totter, bridges, water obstacles, tarps, poles, stadium and cross-country jumps, noodles, shower curtain tunnels, giant horse soccer balls and toys, cones/weaving items, tires, changes in footing, terrain and a variety of sensory experiences along The Discovery Trail (art easels, music, dinosaurs and much more)🌀

For more information and registration for future obstacle dates, please visit:

www.equuvation.org/obstacle-days

05/30/2026

Happy Weekend! 🌸🎉🐴

This morning, Aliza (Volunteer Coordinator) led orientation and training for some new volunteers! 👯

They learned about Riverwood’s programming, volunteer responsibilities, participants, and horses! 🐎

⚪️Mission: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center provides professional equine assisted services to individuals impacted by social, emotional, developmental, physical or other disabilities.

⚪️Vision: Riverwood strengthens communities by providing an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals impacted by disabilities grow and thrive through the profound connection between people, horses, and the natural world.

If you are interested in volunteering this summer, please contact Aliza at [email protected] 👍

P.S. What should we name our new instructional dummy (pictured)? Leave suggestions in our comments! 🙏🏼

05/29/2026

Time flies when you’re having fun! 💃🏻🎆🎉

Can’t believe it’s been over a month since our 2026 Spring Fling Horse Show🥇

Thanks to Reset & Focus Photography, we were able to capture so many memories! 💖

Hope to see everyone for our 2027 show 😁

05/27/2026

This morning, Riverwood’s Volunteer Coordinator Aliza & Lead Instructor Amanda led individuals in Leader Training, in preparation to serve as leaders (actual LEADERS using a LEADline 〰️) for our horses during participant sessions.

Don’t have horse experience? We will teach you! 🐴

Sign up for a developing leader session by emailing Amanda at [email protected] 👍

You will learn:
⚪️Practice
⚪️Perspective
⚪️Traditional vs. adaptive riding leading
⚪️Equine communication
⚪️Rider support
⚪️Redirecting undesired behavior

⚪️… and more!

05/26/2026

Thank you to for providing such great footage of our Gallop & Graze Gala 🌸

05/25/2026

It’s been just over one week since our inaugural Gallop & Graze Gala 🌸

Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors!

More images to be posted tomorrow!

Check out the aerial coverage of the event

Until next year…

05/22/2026

When your markings blend with the effects of your mud bath 🤣 Nice job, Spots 💯

So what are the primary reasons that horses roll? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Horses roll in the dirt for natural grooming, comfort, and protection. It helps them scratch hard-to-reach itches, loosen tight muscles, regulate their temperature by drying off, and create a layer of dust that acts as a natural shield against the sun and biting insects 🪰

Key Reasons Horses Roll
* Self-Grooming & Shedding: Rolling acts as a natural exfoliant. It loosens dead hair, massages the skin, and helps distribute the horse’s natural oils. It also provides major relief from the itchiness that comes with shedding winter coats.
* Insect & Sun Protection: A layer of dust or mud acts as a physical barrier against flies and biting bugs. It also serves as a natural sunscreen, protecting their skin from the sun.
* Physical Relief: Rolling stretches the back and spine, which can provide a relaxing massage and help work out tight muscles.
* Relaxation & Happiness: Horses will often roll simply because they feel safe, comfortable, and happy. It is a very common behavior when they are turned out into a new pasture or after a relaxing ride.

✨Note: While rolling is normal, vigorous or frantic rolling can be a sign of abdominal pain (colic). Colic-related rolling is often accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, pawing, and looking back at the flank.

05/21/2026