Equi Kids Therapeutic Riding Program - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Cheralyn Whetstone

Premier therapeutic riding facility for Veterans, First Responders and special needs children. An amazing place that needs your support. If you are looking to volunteer someplace you have come to the right place. The need is great and the reward in doing so will leave you feeling warm and wonderful and doing a great service! Place on the top of your list to stop by and check it out!!

Mraz Mraz

I worked there for 2 years mainly for the horses, with very minimum paid, Lisa the barn “manager” claims to know about horses but she doesn’t, she is rude and doesn’t appreciate anyone there, I have a license and certification and I’m also en Equine specialist as well from path international, I’m a Veterinarian who have years of experience working with horses, and I cannot tell you enough about how rude she is, I even had one of the doctors who I used to work with to called her for a reference, and she literally trashed me according to Dr Tommy, he didn’t believe her and he also said she sounded rude, I still have my job at an equine hospital no thanks to Lisa ! But thanks Lisa for trying to get me in trouble! , you don’t even have any medical knowledge of horses let alone the basis to even be a manager, you’re not there for the animals, you are there to take advantage of them , I feel for all of the horses that are at equi kids. Very poor management and care. Don’t go to that place any questions just let me know I’ll be happy to tell everyone what I’ve seen behind doors!

Samaria Spears

Awesome people and awesome horse. Love equi kids and the horse

Lorna Cole

Great place to get involved as a volunteer. Love the time with the rider, the horses.

Michael Conner

Daughter volunteers there. Very satisfying helping with the riders.

Lisa Z.

I had only aware of this program previously through various writings in local publications and from a friend whose husband was very involved in the Equi Vets program and had greatly benefited from it over the years.

I didn't really even know where they were located, and it certainly not seen this amazing facility and operation in action until recently when I had the chance to have a tour of the entire facility and meet people who have amazing hearts and excitement for what they do. This place is a gift to the community.

It is so open, clean, large, and functional as a facility. It is easy to locate, it can be driven by hundreds of times without realizing it's even there, and has ample convenient parking.

It is made up of primarily volunteers that are committed to the organization and any of the many many ways that they can help. The volunteer process is organized and runs like a well-oiled machine. Every person here is committed to making a difference and operating in excellence.

They work with children with special needs, emotionally and physically, that range from minor to extreme on the Equi kids side and they also have an Equi Vet side.

They have the equipment needed to allow those to ride that may never have had the opportunity if not for this organization. They work with therapist and trainers and go into every relationship with a plan to meet individual goals, abilities and needs. They value the horses that they work with and understand the valuable experiences that the connection between horse and rider can offer on many levels.

I have never seen an organization that offers the services they do with a facility that accommodates the all encompassing vision that they have, from a classroom available for instruction that opens up to the back of a stable so that children can witness multiple situations of people working with horses, to large riding areas and stables, to having handicap accessible hallways and entrances throughout the entire facility and special equipment and gear required to help somebody who is unable to walk to safely mount and ride a horse.

Most of all I was impressed with the atmosphere and heart of the place. They are thrilled have anybody involved and open to volunteers that can offer their talents and time in any way possible.

Definitely a place looking into if you were looking to volunteer your time and energy or you would benefit from the services that they would offer.

Luke Elliott

I cannot urge how important this facility and its staff are in the lives of so many children with disabilities. The staff here is amazing and the facilities keep getting better year after year. So many horses and activities for kids (and adults.) this place does not receive the credit it deserves.

Charles V Patterson

EQUI-kids is a great place. The staff and atmosphere make it a great place to volunteer. The service provided by the staff, volunteers and horses give a boost children and veterans.that lasts for years to come. If you want to give back to the community and boost the confidence of children and veterans...while learning about horses at the same time, please look into volunteering!