OUR HISTORY

The Santa Ynez Valley Therapeutic Riding Program is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1990 by Mary Ann Evans, PhD.  For the first 10 years, the organization was called “4H Hearts” as we were operated by the UC 4H extension program.  The program operated in Mary Ann’s backyard with one horse.  In 2000, we formed a separate 501c3 as the extension program dissolved and moved to our leased location at the Santa Ynez Valley Equestrian Association Center.

 

Today, we are a Premier Accredited Center with PATH International, the highest international rating. PATH Intl. audits our center every five years, certifies instructors, and provides guidance and continuing education on best practices in the industry.

 

Our motto is "Walk. Trot. Heal." and we have the daily honor of being a part of helping people through the joy of horses.  The Program serves 60 students each week and 300 unduplicated people annually.