Building Confidence and Strength, One Ride at a Time

About us

Established in 1999, Hoof & Paw Therapeutic Riding & Activity Center offers riding lessons and related equine activities to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities or disadvantages.

Located in the heart of northern Davidson County, NC, Hoof & Paw offers more than just horseback riding. We cultivate physical, mental, and emotional growth through lessons that blend riding, games, and essential farm skills. We work with individuals to help them excel in their abilities, whether it’s with their social skills, motor skills, balance, independence, muscle strength, concentration, confidence, and more.

Beyond individual growth, we are deeply committed to community and excellence. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Special Olympics to provide specialized equestrian training. Our programs are designed to empower individuals of all abilities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and belonging.

Dog and horse sniffing noses over a fence
Girl on a horse bending down and smiling
Volunteer helping a young disabled man ride a horse
Black cat with white paws trotting through grass in fron of a horse barn

Our Programs

Volunteer showing a young special needs boy how to sit on a horse

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Individualized riding lessons at Hoof & Paw include grooming, horsemanship, and post-ride care, tailored to student goals. Appointments available Monday through Saturday; closed on Sunday.

Special Olympics

Hoof & Paw is the Special Olympics Northern Piedmont equestrian training site. Athletes with intellectual disabilities can qualify for the NC Championship in Raleigh.

Upcoming Events

Pumpkin and ceramic horse decorations sitting on a wooden table

15th Annual Chicken Stew

Hoof & Paw Therapeutic Riding & Activity Center
718 Hicks Rd., Lexington, NC 27295
Join us for our Annual Chicken Stew fundraiser! Enjoy chicken stew, hot dogs, cornbread, music, hayrides, and pony rides. You can also pre-order a
Nov
14

Get Involved

Volunteer cleaning horse's hoof while children watch

Every smile, every milestone, every moment of joy at Hoof & Paw is made possible by the generosity of our community. Join us in creating these transformative experiences by volunteering your time, donating vital resources, or supporting us financially. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Volunteer

No experience needed; we provide training. Roles include rider support (sidewalkers) and general support (projects, events).

Donate

Give today! Donate cash, supplies, or use goodsearch.com and iGive.com. Share our cause!

Hoof & Paw Therapeutic Riding & Activity Center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 20-0494705). Your donations are tax-deductible and directly support activities and training for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Our nonprofit status can be verified by entering our EIN at the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool.

Contact

For information about lessons, Special Olympics, volunteering, and donations, please contact us.