Therapeutic Riding Institute

Conclusion

Therapeutic Riding Institute meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Purpose

Stated Purpose:
"To provide high-quality and accredited equine-assisted services in a safe, fun, and compassionate environment."

Year, State Incorporated:
1973, OH

Also Known As:
The Riding School

Programs

The Therapeutic Riding institute (TRI) offers unique program approaches to mental, emotional, cognitive, and physical health that promote independence and growth to people of all ages. Therapeutic and adaptive riding (mounted) programs are geared to serve those with a variety of diagnoses to enjoy an outdoor recreational activity that is adapted to suit their needs. Experiential unmounted (off-horse) programs are designed to provide supplementary counseling while working alongside horses to address personal goals.  Founded in 1973 as one of the first centers in the world with Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) accredited through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl), TRI proudly celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023. Today TRI has its own 23 ½ acre horse farm in Spring Valley, Ohio, over 250 active volunteers, a full-time staff of 5 plus 6 part-time instructors, 2 part-time licensed mental health practitioners, and a herd of 10 horses.  TRIs vision is to be the premier provider of equine assisted services in the Tri-state. They are proud to be the only Premier Accredited Center of PATH Intl in the Greater Dayton region, meeting established industry standards and the accreditation requirements for lesson program (volunteer training, horse care & training, instructor certification), administration, and facility condition. TRIs programs include the following: Therapeutic & Adaptive Riding: This program is designed for individuals 5 years and older with a variety of diagnoses to enjoy an outdoor recreational activity that is adapted to suit their needs. Students work toward horsemanship goals alongside their volunteers and peers in a fun, social environment. Benefits of this program include: Physical Benefits: Therapeutic Riding is a great source of physical exercise for all participants. Lessons are adapted within the limits of the participants strength and energy to provide a recreational activity they can enjoy. Cognitive Benefits: Participants benefit through visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning while learning how to ride their horse. During the lesson key skills such as following directions, active concentration, and fine motor skills will be worked on through activities in the lesson. Social & Emotional Benefits: Riding lessons are organized in a group setting which allows participants to benefit from social interactions with their peers. Riders will also benefit from improved self-esteem and confidence as they progress in learning how to ride. Warriors In Step with Horses (W.I.S.H.): A unique unmounted program designed for Veterans and First Responders. This program is carried out alongside a Licensed Mental Health Professional, PATH Intl-certified Equine specialists in mental health and learning (ESMHL) and Veteran Peer Recover Specialists. Taking the Reins: a 6-week group counseling or one-day workshop-style retreat for teens or adults. Facilitated by a licensed Mental Health Professional and ESMHL, this unmounted program employs horses to achieve goals most important to the participants, for example: Developing new insights into self, relationships, and thought processes, expressing and processing feelings in a safe and nonjudgmental environment, exploring issues preventing one from reaching their goals, creating new ways of relating, communicating, and problem solving, empowering to determine path forward. Equine-Assisted Growth & Learning Experience (EAGLE): Each EAGLE program is custom-designed for TRIs partnering organizations serving at-risk youth. This unmounted program pairs participants with their specially-trained horses to work on social and emotional learning goals that can extend into the classroom and at home. 

For the year ended December 31, 2025, Therapeutic Riding Institute's program expenses were:

Governance & Staff

Chief Executive
Stephanie Llacuna, Executive Director

Chair of the Board
Kirk Watkins

Board Size
12

Fundraising

Method(s) Used:
Direct mail appeals, Invitations to fund raising events, Print advertisements (newspapers, magazines, etc.), Television, Grant proposals, Cause-related marketing (affinity credit cards, consumer product sales, etc.)

Tax Status

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.

Financial

The following information is based on Therapeutic Riding Institute's audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Source of Funds

Programs: 67% Fundraising: 15% Administrative: 18%