Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Drill Team Program
Hoofbeats is known for its unique contribution to the field of therapeutic riding with its use of the drill team. This form of riding is often called the "ballet of the horse." It is based on the movements of dressage and first appeared as entertainment for royal courts. Hoofbeats presented this approach nationally at the 2002 NARHA conference, and has since seen the use of drill team riding expand nationwide. Drill Team riding promotes teamwork and camaraderie while it develops correct use of aids, accuracy of movements, spacing, sequencing, and planning ahead.
Hoofbeats has three levels of drill: The younger crowd is called the "Drill Bits," the older crew is known as "The Cronies on Ponies," and the most serious invitational team that does demonstrations and competitions is called the "Little Hoofer Drill Team." There is something for everyone at every level in Drill Team.
Our teams also are invited to perform as flag bearers for other equestrian events. It is an entertaining way to connect with the community whether or not they have knowledge about horses. It is also a great way to showcase what disabled riders are capable of doing!
Sessions Program
Hoofbeats offers three eight-week riding sessions in spring, summer, and fall. Lessons are dressage-based recreational instruction that is goal oriented toward a capstone "dinner theater" event at the conclusion of each session. At dinner theater, riders demonstrate their new skills to family and friends in a positive yet challenging atmosphere. During the sessions, riders also may join Hoofbeats drill teams in demonstrations, flag drills, or horse shows. In addition, riders compete in Special Olympics of Virginia competitions each fall.
Where we work
Accreditations
PATH (formerly, North American Riding for the Handicapped Assn.) - Accreditation 2000
Affiliations & memberships
PATH (formerly, North American Riding for the Handicapped Assn.) 1994
External reviews

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Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
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HOOFBEATS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER INC
Board of directorsas of 3/21/2022
Katie McNeil
Tenney Mudge
Ellen Pennine
Nancy Schuster
Megan Hess
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No