NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center

NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center is driven by our mission of ‘Giving a Leg Up to people of all abilities’. In the horse world, a “leg up” means to give someone a boost onto their horse. At the riding center, the boost carries them not just onto their horses back, but also into their lives. We are committed to providing each individual with the tools they need to learn and grow. Established in 1993, NWTRC addresses the need for recreational activities for people with disabilities in Northwest Washington. Starting with one therapy horse and two participants, NWTRC has grown to serve up to 100 unique individuals a year, with the help of 6 therapy horses, two full-time staff and over 100 volunteers. NWTRC is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Premier Accredited Center (PATH Intl.), one of only 279 in the world. Our program meets the best practices for health and safety of participants, volunteers, horses and staff. These standards ensure that our organization promotes the well-being of all participants and equines.

NorthWest Therapeutic Riding Center provides high-quality, safe, and fun adaptive horsemanship and riding lessons. Located in Bellingham, WA, NWTRC’s 5-acre farm serves children and adults of all abilities in Whatcom and Skagit counties. Participants learn horsemanship and riding skills in an environment tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. NWTRC offers instruction to riders of all skill levels. Goals are riding-skill-based, but individuals and parents often report many therapeutic benefits of participation. These benefits include improvements in physical strength, balance, coordination, mobility, self-confidence, self-control, peer interaction, and social skills.