Special Equestrians, Inc.
Special Equestrians is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Indian Springs, Alabama, founded in 1986, that provides PATH-certified therapeutic horseback riding, horsemanship, and mechanical-horse programs to individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional disabilities.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1986
- HeadquartersIndian Springs, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Special Equestrians, Inc. does
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic riding organization founded in 1986 by Rita Mendel in Birmingham, Alabama, and headquartered at 1215 Woodward Drive in Indian Springs, AL. Its mission is to enrich the lives of people with physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges through a relationship with a horse. The organization delivers three core programs: Therapeutic Riding (group mounted lessons of 3-4 riders, 45 minutes weekly, taught by PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors), Horsemanship (ground lessons covering grooming, bathing, and leading), and Horseabilities, which uses the Miracolt mechanical horse for participants unable to ride a live animal or working toward mounted riding. All programming is conducted in person at the single Indian Springs facility; there are no remote, retail, or licensed distribution channels.
Special Equestrians, Inc. firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Special Equestrians, Inc.
- Legal name
- Special Equestrians
- Website
- https://specialequest.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1986
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Special Equestrians is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Indian Springs, Alabama, founded in 1986, that provides PATH-certified therapeutic horseback riding, horsemanship, and mechanical-horse programs to individuals with physical, cognitive, developmental, and emotional disabilities.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Special Equestrians, Inc. industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Therapeutic Riding Services
- NAICS
- Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Horse Boarding, Livery & Stable Operations (AFAEAGAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities (MPAKAEAM)
Keywords
Where Special Equestrians, Inc. is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Indian Springs
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Special Equestrians, Inc. business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Program Tuition: Fees charged to participants for therapeutic riding and horsemanship programs. Tuition covers less than 18% of the annual $300,000 operating budget.
- Grant Income: Funding from foundations and organizations including TumTum Tree Foundation, Charles and Estelle Campbell Foundation, Medical Properties Trust, The Daniel Foundation, Pace Foundation, and others.
- Annual Fund Drive: Annual fundraising campaign to support operations and keep program costs affordable for riders.
- Special Events: Major fundraising events including Boots and Black Tie Gala and Charity Classic Golf Tournament that generate significant revenue for operations.
- Endowment: Long-term financial stability through $2,000,000 endowment campaign with gifts of $5,000 or more.
- In-Kind Donations: Professional services and supplies donated by supporters including discounted veterinary services, farrier services, cleaning services, and property use.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Therapeutic Riding - Fall Term |
| Subscription | Annual | Therapeutic Riding - Spring Term |
| Subscription | Annual | Horsemanship - Fall Term |
| Subscription | Annual | Horsemanship - Spring Term |
| Subscription | Annual | One Rider for One Full Year Scholarship |
| Subscription | Annual | One Rider for One Full Term Scholarship |
| Subscription | Annual | One Rider for Summer Term Scholarship |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | One Lesson for One Rider |
| Subscription | Annual | Pony Up Club Horse Sponsorship |
| Subscription | Annual | Care Sponsor Horse Sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels7 records
Special Equestrians, Inc. product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Special Equestrians delivers therapeutic horseback riding, horsemanship, and equine-assisted activities to individuals ages 4 and older with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional disabilities. Programs are taught by PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors in group sessions at the Indian Springs, AL facility, with the Miracolt mechanical horse used for participants unable to mount a live horse.
Product overview
Special Equestrians offers three core equine-assisted activity services: Therapeutic Riding (group horseback riding lessons for 3-4 participants, 45 minutes weekly), Horsemanship (ground-based horse care lessons), and Horseabilities (using the Miracolt mechanical horse for balance and coordination). Programs operate on seasonal terms (Fall, Spring, Summer) with volunteer training conducted monthly. The organization also conducts fundraising events including the annual Boots and Black Tie Gala and Charity Classic Golf Tournament, and offers horse sponsorship and scholarship donation programs to support operations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Therapeutic Riding Group horseback riding lessons of 3-4 participants, 45 minutes per mounted session once weekly, taught by PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Focuses on learning riding skills in an adaptive environment.
- Horsemanship
- Horseabilities
- Volunteer Training
- Seasonal Riding Terms Structured therapeutic riding terms including Fall Term 1 (August 23rd - September 27th) and Fall Term 2 (October 13th - November 15th), with volunteer training sessions scheduled at the start of each term.
- Boots and Black Tie Gala
- Charity Classic Golf Tournament
- Horse Sponsorship
- Scholarship Fund
Quantifiable outcome
- Horse movement stimulates dormant nerves and muscles, mimicking human hip action
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Special Equestrians, Inc.
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Special Equestrians, Inc. technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Special Equestrians, Inc. partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International)coreIndustry organization that provides certification for Therapeutic Riding Instructors. Special Equestrians' instructors are PATH certified (CTRI). The organization recommends professional development through PATH conferences for instructors to attend regional and national conferences.
- Easterwood Equine HospitalminorProvides discounted veterinary services to Special Equestrians as a major in-kind professional service contribution.
- Indian Springs SchoolminorProvides use of property to Special Equestrians as a major in-kind contribution.
- Colin ClaybrookminorProvides discounted farrier services as a major in-kind professional service contribution.
- Stanley SteemerminorProvides cleaning, storage and related services as an in-kind contribution.
- The Healing Touch Equine MassageminorProvides equine massage services to the program's horses as an in-kind contribution.
- Windwood EquestrianminorVenue host for the annual Boots and Black Tie Gala since 2018, located in Pelham, AL.
- Highland Park Golf CourseminorAnnual venue for the Charity Classic Golf Tournament held the first Thursday in October.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves5 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Special Equestrians, Inc. competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International): The national certifying body for therapeutic riding instructors and accrediting organization for therapeutic riding centers. Special Equestrians' instructors are PATH certified (CTRI), making PATH International the primary industry organization and ecosystem partner rather than a direct competitor.
Direct peers
- Mane Stream (formerly known as Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center): A PATH Premier Accredited center in Oldwick, New Jersey offering therapeutic riding, equine-facilitated mental health, and adaptive sports. Comparable in clinical oversight, volunteer-driven model, and diversified programming beyond mounted lessons.
- Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center: A PATH Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Loveland, Colorado providing equine-assisted services to individuals with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. Directly comparable in program design, instructor certification, and scholarship-based access model.
- Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center: A PATH Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Augusta, Michigan serving individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted activities. Directly comparable in mission, programming (therapeutic riding, horsemanship, carriage driving), and nonprofit structure to Special Equestrians.
- Ride On (formerly Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship): A PATH Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Chatsworth, California offering adaptive riding, equine-assisted therapy, and veteran services. Comparable in programming breadth, instructor certification requirements, and volunteer-driven service delivery.
- The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding: A PATH Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in San Juan Capistrano, California serving riders with disabilities through mounted and unmounted programs. Comparable in clinical oversight, instructor certification, and diversified revenue from tuition, grants, and events.
- Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation: A PATH Premier Accredited therapeutic riding center in Boxford, Massachusetts serving individuals with disabilities through equine-assisted services. Comparable in PATH-certified instruction model, volunteer-dependent operations, and nonprofit scholarship structure.
- GallopNYC: A PATH Member therapeutic riding center in New York City providing equine-assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. Comparable in urban-adjacent service model, PATH certification, and community-driven fundraising.
- Strides to Success: A nonprofit therapeutic riding and equine-assisted learning center in Whitestown, Indiana serving youth and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, and at-risk situations. Comparable in mission, seasonal program structure, and community-driven fundraising approach.
- High Hopes Therapeutic Riding & Education Center: A PATH Premier Accredited center in Old Lyme, Connecticut offering therapeutic riding, horsemanship, and equine-facilitated learning to people with disabilities. Comparable in service mix, clinical oversight model, and nonprofit fundraising structure.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Special Equestrians, Inc. social profiles
Digital presenceSpecial Equestrians, Inc. financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Special Equestrians, Inc. leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Special Equestrians, Inc. funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Special Equestrians, Inc. M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Special Equestrians, Inc.
What does Special Equestrians, Inc. do?
Special Equestrians delivers therapeutic horseback riding, horsemanship, and equine-assisted activities to individuals ages 4 and older with physical, cognitive, developmental, or emotional disabilities. Programs are taught by PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors in group sessions at the Indian Springs, AL facility, with the Miracolt mechanical horse used for participants unable to mount a live horse.
Is Special Equestrians, Inc. a public or private company?
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Special Equestrians, Inc. founded?
Special Equestrians, Inc. was founded in 1986. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Special Equestrians, Inc. based?
Special Equestrians, Inc. is headquartered in Indian Springs, United States, in the North America region.
How does Special Equestrians, Inc. make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Program Tuition is the primary driver. The others are grant Income, annual Fund Drive, special Events, endowment and in-Kind Donations.
Who are Special Equestrians, Inc.'s main competitors?
PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) is listed as an others. Direct peers are Mane Stream (formerly known as Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center), Hearts & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, Ride On (formerly Ride On Therapeutic Horsemanship), The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, Windrush Farm Therapeutic Equitation, GallopNYC, Strides to Success and High Hopes Therapeutic Riding & Education Center.
Does Special Equestrians, Inc. have an API?
No public API is recorded for Special Equestrians, Inc..
What industry is Special Equestrians, Inc. in?
Special Equestrians, Inc.'s product category is Therapeutic Riding Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAGAG, Horse Boarding, Livery & Stable Operations, with a secondary code of MPAKAEAM, Equestrian & Rodeo Facilities. Its NAICS code is 611620 and its SIC code is 7997.