Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center

Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center is a PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship accredited, Intl.), 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, located in Tobaccoville, NC. Riverwood provides certified equine-assisted services and farm-based learning opportunities for individuals with diverse capabilities. With a vision to strengthen communities by providing a welcoming place where people with diverse capabilities grow and thrive through the profound connection between people, horses, and the natural world.

Riverwood provides quality, professional equine assisted activities for both children and adults with special needs. Equine assisted activities help to improve muscle tone, balance, posture, coordination, and motor development as well as emotional well-being.

Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to directly impact the lives of our students and to witness first-hand the positive effects partnering with horses has on them. We are always looking for volunteers to be horse leaders and side-walkers for students in our therapeutic riding program. Classes take place mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday.

Volunteer Requirements for working in classes

• Volunteers must be at least 14 years old
• No horse experience required for most volunteer roles; we will teach you everything you need to know!
• Prefer ability to commit to a set schedule, but not required
• Must be able to walk and stand for 45-60 minutes in varied terrain
• Must complete a volunteer orientation prior to volunteering, which includes classroom and hands-on practice

Special Volunteer Opportunities

As a non-profit organization Riverwood relies on volunteers for many aspects of our operations.  If you are interested in working with our organization to support our development, marketing, administration or in other ways, please reach out.   

Riverwood welcomes groups for farm volunteer projects. We host business groups, school groups, church groups, etc several times a year for a variety of projects on the farm.

If you are a Girl Scout or Boy Scout looking for a higher awards project, we have a variety of needs that could make a good project and have a significant impact on our ability to serve our community. 

We also have volunteer opportunities in “The Coop,” our farm store that sells quality used tack and barn equipment and a selection of unique arts and crafts gift items, fresh farm eggs, and products from local farmers.

If you are interested in any of these volunteer opportunities, please contact Ariana Page at apage@riverwoodtrc.org or call the office 336-922-6426