Happy Trails Riding Academy is a PATH International premier accredited center, based in Tulare, Calif. Therapeutic horsemanship has been proven to provide a unique opportunity for self-improvement and independence in a positive learning environment, while offering a challenging alternative to traditional therapy.
HORSES
We couldn’t succeed without our therapy horses, each of which has created a unique bond with each of our riders. Take a look at our Happy Trails rockstars!
RIDERS
Our riders have had amazing experiences at Happy Trails. Learn how equine assisted activities and therapies is making a difference.
Enriching the lives of children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities through equine-assisted services
About Happy Trails Riding Academy
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Huge shoutout to Agricare Inc. and their Agronomy team for helping us fertilizer our pastures to keep them at optimal health! We truly have an amazing community! #2021 #therapyworks #horsestagram #pathintl #pasture
Time with horses is never wasted!!! They’re good for our souls and we love to see our riders interact with them everyday. Happy Monday all!! #monday #2021 #therapy #horsebackriding #pathintl #april
Congrats to our Board Member and long time volunteer Andre Gaston for winning 2021 PATH Region 11 Volunteer of the year! And of course congrats to Ridge on being the 2020 Horse of the Year last year! #2021 #pathintl #Volunteer #horsepower #therapyworks #bettertogether
Today we honored one of our long time riders T.J Van Huss. We forever hold you in our hearts. May this tree, planted by your mom and sister, grow deep roots and be forever a part of Happy Trails 🐴❤️
We need you! Tickets are on sale now for our upcoming “Day at the Races” virtual fundraiser! Every ticket purchased helps to ensure that we can continue providing services to those in our community. And you. Also will receive a chance to win $25,000 dollars 💵💵💵Swipe right ➡️ to find out more information! ![]()
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#fundraiser #horsebackriding #therapyworks #tularecounty #loyaltolocal #2021 #communitysupport
We love horses and we love sharing that passion with others. Have a great Monday and don’t forget to share what you love with those around you! #mondays #horsestagram #therapy #2021
“While time will fade these hoofprints, the ones left on our hearts will never disappear…”![]()
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden loss of our dearly beloved Arrow.![]()
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“Michael’s Painted Arrow” was born in 1995 and was a Tennessee Walker gelding. Prior to joining the Happy Trails Herd Arrow lived a full life pulling a cart with his partner Patch and enjoyed many experiences.![]()
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In 2010, Valerie Tyrrell donated Arrow to Happy Trails Riding Academy and embarked on his journey as a therapeutic riding horse.![]()
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Good therapeutic riding horses are few and far between. It takes a horse of unique character and outstanding patience to be a part of our program. Few horses ever serve in such a capacity, but Arrow took on his new role with dignity and success. Arrow was a dedicated member of our herd and his black and white coloring made him an immediate favorite with all. Arrow’s gentle personality brought joy, comfort, and security to all who worked with him. Arrow participated in our cart driving classes, therapeutic riding classes, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy classes. ![]()
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After 11 years of service to our program, Arrow retired in February 2021. He enjoyed his retirement as all horses should, grazing in green pastures under the crisp spring sun.![]()
Arrow was deeply loved and cherished by our volunteers, riders, and staff. He will be fondly remembered and his memory will live on in all our hearts.![]()
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Happy Trails Arrow, until we meet again.![]()
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-All our love the Happy Trails Crew
🐴❤️Rider Storytime❤️🐴![]()
It’s a family affair with a father daughter team participating in classes at Happy Trails this session. Single dad Anthony Atilano is riding in the Equine Services for Heroes class Monday evening. He returns Tuesday with 8-year-old Kalliope who rides in Therapeutic Riding.![]()
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Kallipe was born with a right hand not fully developed. Obviously not one to be slowed down, she enjoys several hobbies that keep her busy. They include shopping, although she will tell you she does not like flash or bling! She also likes school where she excels in math and reading. ![]()
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Her absolute favorite pastime is riding horses! Her face lights up as she talks about Ridge and how his hair falls off like fluffy snow when she grooms him. Kalliope recently accomplished riding bareback but says the western saddle makes her feel the most comfortable while on the horse. ![]()
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Anthony Atilano has wanted to ride since a child. He believes horses to be magnificent animals and helpful to people with different types of emotions, including depression and anger. ![]()
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It was a friend’s mother who volunteered at Happy Trails that shared the program with him. Originally, he was interested in finding classes that might help his daughter with her special needs. When he dropped off Kalliope’s application he discovered the Equine Services for Heroes program for himself.![]()
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Anthony served in the U.S. Army as airborne infantry. He completed two tours in Iraq totaling 27 months with Operation Iraqi Freedom 4 & 7, was discharged in 2009 and served in the Army Reserve until 2012. ![]()
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Since discharge from the service, PTSD began to affect his life negatively. He needed to start living his life forward. He began to make checklists, and calling his counselor to work on a career plan. Anthony was recently hired by the Kings County Sheriff’s Department and is looking forward to the future. He ‘feels at peace’ while at Happy Trails. “I leave Happy Trails feeling better every time I’m out here.” ![]()
#therapy #2021 #riderstrong #storytime #horsestagram
