Enrollment as a New Rider
Thank you for your interest in our programs. New participant enrollments for riding lessons are currently closed. To learn more about our waitlist and availability to join, please email admissions@thorncroft.org.Please refer to our current openings in other programming listed below. Please visit PATH International for a list of other programs and resources that might be of interest in Pennsylvania. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to serve you in the near future!
Please connect with us at admissions@thorncroft.org for current openings in:
Adaptive and Recreational Riding Lessons
Thorncroft provides adaptive/therapeutic and traditional riding lessons for individuals ages 5+, along with other equine-assisted services, to equestrians of all abilities. Adaptive and recreational riders lesson side by side, united by the shared goal of becoming skilled, confident riders.
Our curriculum gives equal importance to unmounted horsemanship education and riding instruction. Learning on the ground and building foundational horsemanship skills is an integral and consistent part of our programming. Riders can expect to have lessons alternate between unmounted classes and riding.
Thorncroft provides adaptive and recreational riding lessons that may promote physical, emotional, and social well-being through horsemanship. While our programs are designed to be inclusive and supportive, Thorncroft does not provide therapy or clinical treatment services, and participation should not be considered a substitute for therapy of medical care. Lessons are not covered by insurance or waiver funding.
Pricing
Thorncroft offers a monthly rate of $250.00 for both adaptive and traditional riding lessons. We do not accept insurance or waiver funding.
Conditions for Admissions
Please note the following conditions for acceptance and continuation. To be considered for evaluation participants must have the ability to assume a sitting posture, tolerate movement, wear an ASTM/SEI riding helmet, and be over the age of 5. Participants must also have sufficient tolerance and attention span to benefit from 20 minutes of sustained activity. Thorncroft strives for inclusion of all body sizes, and while our herd is currently conformationally able to accommodate a rider weight of 180 lbs or less for riding lessons, everyone is invited to become a part of the Farm family. Unmounted, ground lessons are available to all who meet admission criteria for this program.
About Our Wait List
Thorncroft’s wait list is dynamic, meaning that there are a variety of factors which need to align for a successful placement including, but not limited to, horse, instructor, and volunteer availability. A spot in our program opens only when a current rider decides to end their lessons and all factors align for a successful placement. There is an approximate three-year waiting list for a lesson spot on weekdays after 3:00 p.m., and on Saturdays. Lessons are not held on Sundays.
Learn more about our lessons, pricing, and conditions for admissions here.
Our Instructors
Thorncroft is home to highly qualified instructors, who have several qualifications, including: PATH Intl., CTRI, ATRI, ARICP, Centered Riding, and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Disciplines Available:
- Hunt Seat
- Dressage
Thorncroft does not offer jumping as part of our lessons.
Working Students
Thorncroft has long enjoyed the community resulting from our Working Student Program. Participants currently on the lesson schedule have the opportunity to earn a second lesson in exchange for working in the barn. Those students over 13 years old can earn an additional lesson with six hours of work.
Working student lessons are non-transferable and must be scheduled within the week of the six hours of work completed.
Thorncroft offers the opportunity to learn the necessary job skills that can lead to productive employment and more self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
FMI, please email admissions@thorncroft.org
Support the Farm!
Since 1969 Thorncroft has provided a safe haven for children and adults with and without disabilities. The Farm now includes 70 acres of open space, a conference center, office space and two beautiful indoor arenas… but the work does not stop there.
Learn more about the many ways you can support Thorncroft.
