Our Mission
Freedom Riders is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit program dedicated to helping special needs children, ages 3–18, build physical strength, emotional confidence, independence, and social connection through horseback riding activities.
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Our organization began in 1978 when three community members hosted a pony ride event for special needs children at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah.​ What started as a simple act of kindness evolved into a successful grassroots program supporting and encouraging dozens of special needs children, one ride at a time.
How Horseback Riding Helps Children With Special Needs
Horseback riding supports whole-body development through movement, connection, and confidence-building activities. The gentle, rhythmic motion of the horse engages the rider’s core muscles, improving balance, stability, and overall body awareness.
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Benefits Include:
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Improved balance and coordination
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Increased confidence and self-esteem
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Social connection with peers and volunteers
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Sensory and motor skill development
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Opportunities for independence and self-expression​​
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What Our Riding Sessions Look Like
At Freedom Riders, every ride is an opportunity and a challenge, empowering special needs children to achieve their own personal victories. Children attend one evening per week during the summer.
Each session is tailored to the rider’s abilities and includes:
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Stretching and warm-ups
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Games to improve coordination
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Horsemanship activities
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Riding with trained volunteer support
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A safe, encouraging atmosphere focused on personal growth
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Safety With Every Step
Safety is at the core of every Freedom Riders session. Each rider is supported by 3-4 trained volunteers, including:
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One horse leader
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Two side-walkers
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A mounted support rider when needed
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All volunteers undergo specialized training, and every horse is assessed for temperament and safety. Adaptive tack and supportive equipment ensure proper posture, balance, and comfort.
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We follow the safety and training guidelines of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International, the global leader in equine-assisted service standards.
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"Freedom Riders has been instrumental in aiding in our son's recovery and strengthening related to his medical issues.
He has also gained so much confidence and made special friends. Everyone at Freedom Riders has become family to us and all the volunteers are phenomenal."
Brittany, Mother of Riley, age 12
Get Involved
Your Support Makes a Difference​
Your donation helps provide formal training certification for volunteers, adaptive equipment, and operating costs to create accessible riding opportunities for our participants. ​
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Volunteers Make Riding Possible​
From providing horses to leading and walking alongside riders, and doing necessary paperwork, our volunteers play a vital role in creating safe and meaningful experiences for our participants.
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Thank You To Our Sponsors
