Where Riders with Disabilities Find Their Stride

Equine Assisted Services in Texarkana, TX

Equine assisted services for riders with disabilities ages 4 and up, right here in Texarkana, TX. PATH Premier Accredited, small classes, certified instructors, and a 25-year track record to back it all up.

Child wearing a pink helmet rides a brown horse, arms raised, in a barn arena.

This Is Where Riders Surprise Everyone, Including Themselves

Something happens when a rider gets on a horse. They sit up taller. They focus. They laugh. They do things their families weren't sure they'd ever do, and they can't wait to come back next week.


That's equine-assisted services. Think less "trail ride," more "life-changing Thursday afternoon." And Runnin' WJ Ranch has been doing it at the highest accreditation level in the field for 25 years

Black-and-white sketch of a horse trotting with mane and tail flowing

We're Not a Riding School (But We Are Way More Fun)

Our program is built for riders ages 4 and up with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social disabilities. We also welcome school groups, and special education classes can participate through our school program pathway. School groups are typically organized by age, while independent riders are placed based on ability level and peer fit.


Each session includes a dedicated horse leader and up to two sidewalkers per rider, with a maximum of six riders per class and certified instructors leading the program.


A documented medical diagnosis is required as part of intake, and the rider weight limit is 150 lbs, subject to horse availability, for the safety of both horses and riders.

Don't just Take Our Word for It

Hear It From the Families Who've Been Here

Black quotation mark symbol on a white background
Focused, supported, and having a blast.
CLASS SNAPSHOT

Focused, supported, and having a blast.

Runnin' WJ Ranch
Helmeted rider smiling on a horse while another person steadies them under a metal-roofed shelter
Person in a blue shirt and helmet rides a brown horse indoors, holding a rainbow-colored ball.
Two people with a horse in a barn, one holding the reins, all posing for a photo.

The Fast Facts About Our Program

  • Season: September through May (same rhythm as the school year)
  • Session length: One hour a week
  • Class size: Up to six riders per class
  • Weekly classes: Number of classes varies by participant enrollment and horse availability
  • Grouping: School groups are typically organized by age; independent riders are placed by ability level and peer fit
  • In-class support: Volunteer support includes one horse leader and up to two sidewalkers per rider
  • Eligibility: Ages 4 and up; documented disability diagnosis required; 150 lbs max, subject to horse availability
  • Participation fees: Contact us at 903-838-3223 or runninwj@gmail.com for fee information.

What to Bring

  • Closed-toe shoes or boots (required)
  • Long pants recommended
  • Helmets are provided; feel free to bring your own if preferred
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Any mobility aids or assistive devices your rider uses regularly

What to Expect From First Call to First Ride

Step 1: Reach Out

Call, email, or send us a Facebook message. You don't need to know anything about equine assisted services first, just tell us you're interested. We'll ask all the right questions.

Step 2: Paperwork

We'll send paperwork electronically. It covers your rider's diagnosis, medical history, and what we need to find the right class placement. Straightforward stuff, nothing to stress about.

Step 3: In-Person Intake

Before class placement, we bring your rider to the ranch for a brief in-person intake. We’ll size them for a helmet, note their height, and get a sense of how comfortable they are around horses. They’ll meet Jelly Bean, our miniature horse, and may also meet a full-sized horse, depending on their comfort level. From there, they’ll have a chance to sit on Tom Tom, our equisizer, so they can get a feel for the motion of riding before joining a class.

Step 4: Class Placement

Our instructors review your rider’s information and assign a class based on availability and rider ability. We’ll let you know when to show up and what to expect before the first day.

Step 5: First Session

First rides are slow on purpose. The goal is for your rider to get comfortable, with the horse, with the team, with the whole ranch. Our horse leaders and sidewalkers are right there the entire time. What happens after that first session? Usually, they want to know when they get to come back.

Meet the People Your Rider Will Love

Every class is led by a CTRI-certified instructor, someone trained specifically in equine assisted services, equine behavior, disability awareness, and how to build a session around what your individual rider actually needs.

Portrait of a smiling woman in a red polo shirt with a logo, against a gray studio backdrop

Brittany Rogers

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

I have been part of Runnin' WJ Ranch since the very beginning, from handing my dad nails while this place was being built to volunteering in the barn and riding classes, and now serving as the Executive Director and Program Director. I absolutely love my job and the incredible students, volunteers, and families I have the privilege of serving every day. I am truly blessed to be part of this wonderful organization and thank God every day for the opportunity to help change lives through the Ranch.

Portrait of a smiling woman in a light blue shirt against a neutral studio background

Shelly Crane

LEAD INSTRUCTOR

I first came to Runnin' WJ Ranch as a volunteer horse leader, hoping to serve in an organization with a Christian mission. Today, I serve as the Lead Instructor and have the privilege of watching our students grow in confidence and overcome challenges with the support of our incredible volunteers. I am grateful to be part of a place where lives are changed every day. 

Smiling blonde woman in a blue polo shirt against a gray studio backdrop

Annabeth Smith

Instructor In training

No two days at Runnin' WJ Ranch look the same, and that's one of my favorite parts of the job. From marketing and public relations to working in the barn and training as an instructor, I love using my gifts to support our mission in whatever way is needed. I am grateful to be part of a place where faith, horses, and people come together to change lives every day. 

Questions We Get All the Time 

Five gold stars in a horizontal row on a white background

  • What is an equine-assisted services program for people with disabilities?

    It’s the real, credentialed version of what many people call “horse therapy.” Our program is led by certified instructors, not OTs, PTs, or SLPs, and uses horseback riding and horse interaction to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social goals for individuals with diagnosed disabilities. It is developed and overseen through PATH International.

  • Is equine-assisted services the same as therapeutic horseback riding?

    Equine-assisted services is the broader term, and therapeutic horseback riding is a name many people use for this kind of program. At Runnin’ WJ Ranch, both terms refer to our program for riders with disabilities. Our program is led by certified instructors, not OTs, PTs, or SLPs.

  • Can my child with autism do therapeutic horseback riding near me?

    Yes, autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common diagnoses we see in our program. Our instructors are trained in disability awareness and build every session around the individual rider. Reach out and we'll walk you through whether our program is the right fit.

  • What disabilities qualify for our program?

    We serve riders with a wide range of diagnoses: autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, cognitive, behavioral and emotional disorders, and more. A documented disability diagnosis is required. Not sure if your family member qualifies? Just reach out before filling out anything. We'll be straight with you.

  • Do equine assisted services help adults with cognitive disabilities?

    Yes. Adults participate in our program, and there is no upper age limit. Riders must be at least age 4 and within the 150 lb weight limit, subject to horse availability. Class placement is based on rider ability, peer fit, and availability rather than age alone.

  • What happens at one of our riding classes?

    Sessions are one hour, once a week. Riders participate in structured activities (scavenger hunts, matching games, themed obstacle courses) all from the saddle, with a horse leader and sidewalkers right there the whole time.

  • Is there a weight limit for our program?

    Yes. Our program has a 150 lb maximum rider weight, based on horse availability and for the safety of both horses and riders. Weight information is collected through the intake paperwork.

  • What is the intake process at our center?

    At Runnin’ WJ Ranch, getting started begins with a call, email, or Facebook message. We’ll send your intake paperwork electronically, review your rider’s information, and assign a class based on availability, rider ability, and peer fit. We walk you through each step so you know what to expect.

  • Is Runnin' WJ Ranch PATH accredited?

    Yes. Runnin’ WJ Ranch is PATH Premier Accredited, the highest level of accreditation available. We are also the only equine-assisted services center in the Texarkana market.