Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Equestrian Facility in Petaluma, California

5(6 reviews)
(707) 769-89007600 Lakeville Hwy, Petaluma, CA 94954View on Yelp
Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center - equestrian in Petaluma, CA

Customer Reviews

5
out of 5
6 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

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About Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center

Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Petaluma, California holds a perfect 5.0 rating across its reviews, which speaks volumes about the care they bring to every session. As a nonprofit, they serve riders who benefit from the physical and emotional healing that working with horses can provide. Petaluma sits in the heart of Sonoma County, where the rolling hills and agricultural roots make equestrian therapy feel like a natural part of the community. This center bridges healthcare and horsemanship in a way very few facilities anywhere manage to do.

Services

Horseback Riding
Physical Therapy
Community Service/Non-Profit

Services & Process

Therapeutic horseback riding sessions here are structured around each rider's specific physical or developmental needs, often coordinated with licensed physical therapists. Riders work with trained horses and certified instructors who understand how movement in the saddle can improve core strength, balance, and coordination. The center's nonprofit model means services are often accessible to families who couldn't otherwise afford specialized equine-assisted therapy. Community outreach is also a core part of what they do, connecting underserved populations in Sonoma County to these healing programs.

Service Area

Giant Steps primarily serves riders in Petaluma and throughout Sonoma County. Families travel from Santa Rosa, Novato, and other parts of the North Bay to access these specialized therapeutic programs. Given how rare this type of center is, people come from well beyond the immediate area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need prior riding experience to participate in therapeutic sessions?
No prior riding experience is required at all. Therapeutic riding programs are designed for participants at every starting point, including those who have never been near a horse. Staff introduce horses gradually and at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for each individual rider.
How is therapeutic riding different from regular horseback riding lessons?
Therapeutic riding is specifically structured to address physical, cognitive, or emotional goals in coordination with a treatment plan. Sessions may involve a therapist alongside the riding instructor, and the horse's movement is used intentionally to build things like core strength, balance, or sensory processing. It's much more targeted than a general riding lesson.
Is a doctor's referral needed to enroll?
Many therapeutic equestrian centers do require or strongly recommend a referral or medical documentation before starting. This helps staff understand the rider's needs and ensure the program is appropriate. It's worth calling the center directly at (707) 769-8900 to confirm their current intake requirements.
What ages do you accept for therapeutic riding programs?
Most therapeutic equestrian centers work with children as young as five or six, though some programs serve adults as well. Giant Steps serves a range of ages depending on program availability. Contacting them directly will give you the most accurate answer for your specific situation.
Does insurance cover therapeutic horseback riding?
Coverage varies widely by insurance plan and diagnosis. Some families find that sessions tied to physical therapy goals can be partially covered, especially when a licensed therapist is directly involved. As a nonprofit, Giant Steps may also have scholarship or sliding-scale options worth asking about.
How do I volunteer or support the center as a community member?
Nonprofits like Giant Steps often rely heavily on trained volunteers who help lead horses during sessions, assist participants, and support barn operations. Most centers have a formal volunteer training program before anyone works directly with riders. Reaching out by phone is the best first step if you're interested in getting involved.

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