Active Riders: What to Expect
At Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, each rider is enrolled in a consistent, structured program designed to support progress over time.
Below is everything you need to know for the upcoming season.
Season Schedule
The Therapeutic Riding season runs from September through May. Riders are assigned a weekly lesson time that remains consistent throughout the season, creating routine and continuity in care, instruction and connection.
Lessons are held Monday through Thursday and Saturdays. There are no lessons on Fridays or Sundays.
During the summer months, June through August, therapeutic riding lessons are not held due to heat and summer camp programming. In August, the horses are given a full break from all programs to rest and reset for the season ahead.
A full riding calendar, including holiday closures, will be provided prior to the start of the season. Your assigned lesson day and time will be confirmed by the Program Director.
Enrollment and Required Paperwork
NTRC carefully develops each therapeutic riding schedule to support rider consistency, appropriate group placement, and the individual goals of each participant.
Returning Riders
Returning riders who complete the required renewal process by the established deadline (August 1) will be considered for the upcoming riding season. Whenever possible, NTRC will first work to maintain a rider’s existing day and time from the previous season.
Submitting renewal paperwork earlier than another family does not provide priority in scheduling or guarantee a specific lesson time.
How Riders Are Scheduled
Rider placement is based on several factors, including:
- Previous season lesson reservations
- Available lesson times, instructors, equines, and volunteers
- Rider goals, abilities, and support needs
- Appropriate peer grouping and compatibility within a lesson
- Overall program capacity
Because therapeutic riding lessons are intentionally structured around the needs and goals of participants, scheduling is not based solely on open time slots.
Schedule Requests
Families are encouraged to provide all available days and times when completing their renewal or enrollment materials. NTRC will make every reasonable effort to accommodate scheduling preferences; however, requested days or times cannot be guaranteed.
If a rider’s previous lesson time is no longer available or does not provide the most appropriate placement, NTRC may offer alternative scheduling options.
Schedule Changes
Once schedules are finalized, requests for changes will be considered based on availability and appropriate group placement. NTRC cannot guarantee that an alternate lesson time will be available.
Our goal is to create a safe, supportive, and effective riding environment where each participant has the best opportunity to progress toward their individual goals.
Fees and Financial Support
Riders are billed prior to the start of the season for their scheduled lessons. Payment plans are available through the administrative office.
Through the support of donors, all lessons are partially subsidized. Additional need-based scholarships may be available for families who require financial assistance. Scholarship applications can be submitted by email or through the office.
Attendance and Communication
Consistent attendance is essential to rider progress and program flow. If a rider is unable to attend a lesson, we ask that you notify NTRC as soon as possible.
Phone: (239) 596-2988
Email: info@ntrc.org
Advance communication allows us to properly prepare instructors, coordinate volunteers, and care for the herd. Riders are only permitted to absences per season.
Weather and Cancellations
Safety is always our top priority. Lessons may be canceled in the event of unsafe conditions, including high heat, cold temperatures, or lightning.
All cancellations are determined by the Program Director. Riders are not billed for lessons canceled by NTRC.
Updates will be communicated directly to families and shared on our Facebook page.
Progress and Evaluations
Rider development is tracked throughout the season using structured evaluations and instructor observations.
Each spring, riders participate in a comprehensive annual evaluation. This process helps guide individualized lesson planning and provides meaningful data that supports the continued growth of our programs.
A Program Built on Purpose
Therapeutic Riding has been at the heart of NTRC since 1997. Every lesson is intentional, building physical strength, communication, confidence, and connection over time.
This work is made possible by the support of our community, and we are proud to serve each rider with consistency, care, and purpose.
