The Saddle Light Center

Help The Saddle Light Center Change Lives Through the Power of the Horse

At The Saddle Light Center, we believe that the partnership between a person and a horse can create extraordinary opportunities for growth, confidence and connection. 
We provide professional equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding to children, teenagers and adults with disabilities throughout the San Antonio area. Our programs support individuals with neurological, orthopedic, learning, emotional and other disabilities, helping them build skills, confidence and independence while improving their overall quality of life.

Every Rider Is Capable of More! 

For many of the individuals we serve, a horse is much more than a horse. The movement of the horse can challenge the body, engage the senses, encourage balance and coordination, and create opportunities to accomplish tasks that may once have seemed impossible. 

Your support during The Big Give 2026 can help make these life-changing experiences possible for more people in our community.

Two Programs, One Powerful Mission

Therapeutic Riding

Therapeutic Riding is adaptive recreational horseback riding for individuals with disabilities. Lessons are adapted to each rider's abilities that include riding skills, balance activities, social interactions and play, attention to tasks, follow instructions, emotional regulation through exercises designed to build confidence and physical skills.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy uses the movement of the horse as a clinical strategy within physical, occupational or speech therapy sessions.

Unlike Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy is a clinical therapy approach provided by a licensed therapist as part of a treatment plan approved by a physician. Through the unique movement of the horse, our riders can work toward important goals that support greater independence and quality of life.

Hippotherapy can help improve balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, endurance, posture, mobility, and head, neck and trunk control. It can also help reduce spasticity and support sensory processing, helping individuals develop greater physical function and independence.

Our Horses: An Essential Part of the Team

It takes a very special horse to become a therapy horse. 

Our horses must have exceptional temperament and disposition, be comfortable working around many different people and demonstrate the smooth, appropriate movement needed to support therapeutic goals. They are carefully screened and trained for their important role.

These remarkable horses are an essential part of our team—and an essential part of the experience for the people we serve.

Your Gift Can Make a Difference

The Saddle Light Center is committed to providing professional, compassionate services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Community support helps us continue providing these programs and ensures that more riders have the opportunity to experience the physical, emotional and personal benefits that come from working with horses.

When you give to The Saddle Light Center through The Big Give 2026, you are helping create opportunities for children, teenagers and adults with disabilities to build confidence, develop skills and discover what they can accomplish.

Together, we can keep the arena doors open, support our therapy horses and professional team, and help more individuals experience the transformative power of the horse.

Please join us for The Big Give 2026 and help The Saddle Light Center change lives, one rider at a time.

Every gift makes a difference. Every rider matters.

The Saddle Light Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit making your donations tax deductible.

If you would like to get involved, check out our website for volunteer opportunities.