Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

What Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center does

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center Inc. is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a PATH International-accredited therapeutic equestrian program at Sonoma Horse Park in Petaluma, California. Its core service is adaptive (therapeutic) horseback riding delivered by PATH International Certified Instructors to people of all ages with disabilities, supplemented by unmounted ground-based activities that build character and life skills, and tailored half-day or full-day experiences for community partners. Participant outcomes are tracked through individualized objectives and weekly progress documentation, with enrollment gated by an application, physician's release form, and individual assessment that determines class placement, exercise tolerance, and equipment needs.

The underlying 'technology' is service-based and operational rather than digital: specially selected and trained horses paired with credentialed instructors, supported by a formalized volunteer corps that assists during lessons, grooms horses, and maintains the facility. Horses are sourced through a structured donation program with defined criteria (age 7–18, 14–16.2 hh, soundness, temperament) and a 60–90 day trial period. The organization holds PATH International accreditation and GuideStar Exchange membership, and publishes financial statements covering fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid nonprofit model combining individual and corporate donations (including stock, life insurance, and donor-advised fund distributions), program fees with case-by-case and session-by-session scholarships, the annual Giant Steps Charity Classic — a USEF National/Jumper Level 4 rated horse show that has run for seventeen years — and a planned giving program covering bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and retained life-estate gifts. In 2025 the organization assumed fiscal sponsorship of the Linda Rubio Scholarship Fund, which supports four underserved youth annually with lesson costs, trail rides, and riding apparel. Leadership comprises Executive Director Libby Porzig and Program Director Julie.

Name

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Legal name

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center Inc.

Website

https://giantstepsriding.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers PATH International-accredited adaptive riding lessons, unmounted activities, and tailored equine experiences to individuals with disabilities in Northern California, funded through donations, program fees, and an annual USEF-rated Charity Classic.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Therapeutic Equestrian Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Services-Racing, Including Track Operation (7948)

akta.pro primary industry

Equestrian Teams & Stables (Racing/Show Jumping/Eventing) (MPAKABAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Sport/Show Horse Training & Performance Programs (AFAEAGAF)

Keywords

• Therapeutic riding
• Equine-assisted services
• Adaptive horsemanship
• Disability therapy programs
• Nonprofit equestrian services

Headquarters

HQ city

Petaluma

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: As a nonprofit organization, Giant Steps relies on generous donors and dedicated volunteers to fund operations. Accepts monetary contributions, stock donations, life insurance policies, and donor advised fund distributions.
2. Program Fees: Fees for therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted activities. Scholarships available on case-by-case basis to ensure accessibility.
3. Charity Classic Event: Annual USEF National/Jumper Level 4 rated horse show raising critical funds. Seventeen-year running event featuring regional, national, and international competitors.
4. Planned Giving: Accepts planned gifts including bequests, beneficiary donations, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, and retained life-estate gifts.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization delivering equine-assisted services, including adaptive (therapeutic) horseback riding lessons, unmounted ground-based horsemanship activities, and customized community partner experiences. Programs are led by PATH International Certified Instructors using specially selected therapy horses and tailored to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social goals of participants with disabilities.

Product overview

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center is a nonprofit organization offering a unified portfolio of equine-assisted services. The core offerings include Adaptive Riding (therapeutic horseback riding lessons), Unmounted Activities (ground-based horse interactions), and Tailored Experiences (customized day programs). Supporting programs include the annual Giant Steps Charity Classic fundraiser, the Linda Rubio Scholarship Fund for underserved youth, New Client Enrollment with assessment services, a Volunteer Program, Horse Donation Program, and Planned Giving options. The organization serves people of all ages with disabilities through PATH International certified instructors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adaptive Riding

Quantifiable outcome

• Hundreds of people annually served through therapeutic riding programs

Named customers1 record

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sonoma Horse ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 July 2026Sonoma Horse Park generously hosts the Giant Steps Charity Classic annually (July 28 - August 2, 2026). This seventeen-year partnership provides the venue for the USEF National/Jumper Level 4 rated horse show that raises critical funds for Giant Steps programs.
• West Palms EventscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 July 2026West Palms Events co-hosts the Giant Steps Charity Classic alongside Sonoma Horse Park. They manage event operations for the annual USEF National rated equestrian show.
• Marin Horse CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 September 2025Previously hosted the Linda Rubio Scholarship Fund during its formative years (founded 2022). Giant Steps now houses the fund through fiscal sponsorship. Marin Horse Council nurtured the scholarship initiative and its early stewardship helped it begin transforming lives.
• SubaruminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center as shown on sponsor recognition section of website.
• AriatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center as shown on sponsor recognition section of website.
• SummitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center as shown on sponsor recognition section of website.
• QuestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor of Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center as shown on sponsor recognition section of website.
• Linda Rubio Scholarship FundcoreOthersFounded in 2022 by equestrian educator Linda Rubio, this scholarship fund creates opportunities for youth from low-income families to access horses and riding lessons. Giant Steps serves as fiscal sponsor, providing governance, financial accountability, and sustainability. Currently supports four students annually.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cheff Center for the Disabled: PATH-accredited therapeutic riding center in Augusta, MI serving children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted services. Directly comparable nonprofit operating model, similar population served, and equivalent scope of adaptive riding programming.
• Mane Stream: PATH Premier Accredited center in Oldwick, NJ offering equine-assisted therapies, adaptive riding, and hippotherapy. Directly comparable nonprofit with similar individualized program design, certified instructors, and scholarship support.
• National Ability Center: Park City, UT-based nonprofit providing adaptive recreation including equestrian programs for individuals with disabilities. Comparable mission, donor-funded model, and adaptive-sports delivery, with broader multi-sport scope.
• Ride On St. Louis: PATH-accredited therapeutic riding organization in Chesterfield, MO providing adaptive riding and equine-assisted therapy. Comparable nonprofit structure, individualized assessment process, and instructor-led adaptive program design.
• Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center: PATH Premier Accredited center in Loveland, CO providing therapeutic riding, equine-assisted activities, and horsemanship to individuals with disabilities. Comparable nonprofit structure, certified-instructor delivery model, and scholarship-based access approach.
• BINA Farm Center for Horses and People with Disabilities: PATH-accredited therapeutic equestrian center in Ringoes, NJ serving riders with disabilities through adaptive horsemanship. Directly comparable single-site nonprofit operation with similar assessment-driven enrollment and volunteer-dependent delivery.
• Special Equestrians: PATH-accredited therapeutic riding center in Irondale, AL serving individuals with disabilities through adaptive equine programs. Directly comparable nonprofit operating model, volunteer-driven delivery, and scholarship-supported access.

Broad incumbents

• Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.): Industry accrediting body and membership organization for therapeutic horsemanship centers and certified instructors. Not a direct operating peer, but the governing/standards entity whose accreditation Giant Steps holds and which shapes the competitive landscape of accredited centers.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/giantstepstec

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center