Riders must be at least 4 years old to ride.

Riders, volunteers, and visitors should dress for a barn environment. We recommend comfortable clothing and boots, but any sturdy, closed-toe shoes will do. Riders should wear long pants. Helmets are required for ANYONE who rides at GaitWay and will be provided for you.

No, you don't. Each volunteer will attend a training session before participating in lessons. Riders are introduced to the horses and the surrounding environment at a pace appropriate to their level of experience and ability.

The content of each lesson is customized to suit the needs of the student. Some of these lessons include groundwork, which means that the rider completes exercises or tasks that do not involve mounting the horse. The benefits of these experiences are as equally rewarding as mounted lessons.

Yes, family members are more than welcome to watch lessons! We ask that everyone who visits GaitWay follows the general rules of farm etiquette. This includes using inside voices in the barn, refraining from running on farm property, avoiding sudden movements and loud noises around the horses, respecting GaitWay property and equipment, and treating all people and animals in a courteous manner. We have a posted speed limit of 5 mph to ensure the safety of animals, riders, visitors, volunteers, and staff. We encourage you to take photos or videos of your rider but ask that you avoid using flash photography.

Yes! While our mission is to serve the special needs community, we also provide horsemanship lessons to anyone wanting to ride! Priority is given to family members of current riders. Please contact us for more information.

We are always looking for new equine therapists! Please read our information packet and if you still think your horse would be a good fit, fill it out and return it to the office at GaitWay.