Business Details
32 Years
experience
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Children with Special Needs
Mitey Riders has dedicated over 25 years to transforming the lives of children with special needs through therapeutic horseback riding. Founded in 1994, we provide free, high-quality equine-assisted programs designed to enhance physical, emotional, and social development. Our PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation reflects our commitment to safety, best practices, and compassionate care. With a team of 200+ volunteers and 14+ specially trained horses, we foster a supportive community where riders aged 5 - 18 build confidence, improve motor skills, and experience the joy of horsemanship.Our founders remain actively involved, ensuring continuity and expertise in every lesson. By combining therapeutic riding with life skills training, we empower riders to thrive both on and off the farm. Our success is built on partnerships with families, volunteers, and donors who share our vision of creating lasting change through horses.
Services
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Volunteer Programs
Special Events
Donation Opportunities
Rider Applications
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience serving children with special needs since 1994
- PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation ensures industry-leading safety and care standards
- Free programs funded by community donations and 200+ dedicated volunteers
- Customized lessons integrate physical therapy, emotional growth, and life skills
- Founders and long-serving staff maintain program continuity and expertise
Associations and certifications
- Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center
What people say
Life-changing experience
Amazing volunteers
Transformative impact
Supportive community
Dedicated staff
Services
Therapeutic Horseback Riding
Our core program uses horseback riding to improve balance, coordination, and confidence for children with special needs. Certified instructors design lessons that address individual physical and emotional goals while fostering human-horse connections. Riders experience enhanced motor skills, communication abilities, and self-esteem through structured weekly sessions.
Volunteer Programs
We offer diverse volunteer opportunities including horse leadership, sidewalking, barn care, and event planning. Training is provided for roles supporting riders during lessons or maintaining our facility. Volunteers become part of a compassionate community that directly impacts riders' progress and well-being through hands-on involvement.
Special Events
Annual events like the Spring Festival and Golf Challenge raise critical funds while engaging the community. These family-friendly gatherings showcase our programs, celebrate rider achievements, and provide networking opportunities for supporters. Proceeds directly support free riding programs and horse care expenses.
People
Harry Swimmer
Founder
Recognized as a 2016 CNN Top 10 Hero, Harry established Mitey Riders in 1994 to provide equine therapy for children with special needs. He continues greeting riders daily and shaping the organization's vision.
Joy Simon
Program Director
As founding Program Director, Joy oversees instructor training and lesson planning. With decades of experience, she ensures therapeutic programs maintain PATH Intl. accreditation standards while mentoring new staff.
Questions
What therapeutic services do you offer?
We provide horseback riding lessons tailored to improve balance, coordination, and emotional well-being for children aged 5–18 with special needs like autism and cerebral palsy.
How can my child participate?
Applications open April 1–July 1 annually. Contact us at 704-841-0602 to determine eligibility for our free therapeutic riding program.
What volunteer opportunities exist?
Roles include horse leadership, sidewalking, barn care, event planning, and special skills support. No prior experience needed for most positions.
Is your program accredited?
Yes, we hold PATH Intl. Premier Accreditation, ensuring the highest standards in therapeutic horsemanship safety and instruction since 2005.
How is the program funded?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on donations, special events, and corporate partnerships to provide free riding programs and maintain our 14+ therapy horses.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Zac Bennett Clone
Feb 06, 2019
Report
The sunflower field is beautiful. Not sure if this will be here every year but it's amazing and looks great in pictures.
Ben Jones
Feb 01, 2018
Report
Amazingly beautiful farm where humans are doing God's work to enrich the lives of Special needs kids. This is where The Keith Larson's 2017 Club LAMA children's charity ride ended.
