Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does the Program do?
A. NVTRP provides therapeutic horseback riding instruction to children and adults with physical, emotional and mental disabilities.  The mission of the Program is to enrich the quality of life of its students through these activities.


© 2004 Joan Brady Photography
All rights reserved

Q. What are the benefits of therapeutic riding?
A. Individuals gain both physical and emotional rewards through challenging and stimulating activities. Riders improve balance, strength, coordination, confidence, concentration and self-discipline while having fun.  Individual results may vary.

Q. What qualifies this program to provide this service?
A. The Program is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) which inspects each Program location and sets stringent safety and educational standards. All of our instructors are NARHA certified.

Q. Who can participate?
A. We accept applications for children and adults with many different types of disabilities. Children must be 4 years or older.  We recommend that you apply early so that you reserve a slot on the waiting list.

Q. Where do we operate?
A. We conduct lessons in Fairfax, VA.


© 2004 Joan Brady Photography
All rights reserved

Q. How often does a student ride?
A. Most students ride in groups of 2-4 for 45 minutes, once a week. We conduct several riding sessions each year, beginning in March and ending in December.

Q. What do students wear?
A. We require students to wear long pants, boots or shoes with a heel, and an ASTM approved safety helmet.

Q. What happens to lessons in inclement weather?
A. Lessons continue as planned and we instruct students in the barn. Students learn to groom the horses, learn about the tack (bridles and saddles), and help with feeding the horses. We make every effort to hold all scheduled lessons. If NVTRP must cancel a lesson, our office will notify our riders and volunteers.

Q. How is the Program funded?
A. To supplement funds from lesson fees, NVTRP provides several fundraising opportunities, including the Ponies and Partners Picnic/Silent Auction in July and the Driving for Riding Golf Tournament in September. We also have a corporate sponsorship program, receive individual tax-deductible donations and participate in the United Way/CFC campaigns (participant #8400).

Q. How are the funds used?
A. The funds are used for tuition assistance (all riders are charged only half the real cost of lessons), staff salaries, insurance, care and feeding of the horses, equipment and general business operating expenses.

Q. How can I help?
A. Visit our Volunteer page to find out how you can help.