Welcome to Happy Trails

Located in Tulare, California, our vision is to operate an attractive and quality therapeutic riding facility on our own property, with outstanding, modern facilities in a safe, secure and caring environment. We will we have the best horses possible to meet our program needs and will make sure they are properly treated and cared for.

We are committed to expanding our facilities, if financial resources are available, to meet our growth needs. Tack and related equipment will continually be inspected and upgraded to make sure they are safe as possible for our ridership.

The Sence Pavilion

Our Dream is Complete!!! Kim Oviatt and the Sence Foundation provided Happy Trails with funding for our covered arena in the amount of $200,000 and the Fansler Foundation provided $50,000. Additional funds were provided by you, OUR COMMUNITY! For those who have contributed to our matching grant campaign and covered arena project, we most humbly thank you.“The single most important factor in helping us produce optimum therapy, allowing our riders every opportunity to excel, is the addition of our covered arena,” explains Lisa Cotta-Meek.

The completion of The Sense Pavilion enabled our program classes to continue in inclement weather. Previously, when the weather was too hot or wet, classes were cancelled. With our covered arena, the horses respond better to their handlers and the riders and their volunteers are more comfortable. The valley heat affects many of our riders. Some cannot ride at all during the summer. For a few the heat can trigger seizures, and at the very least riders cannot receive the full benefit of therapy when the heat makes it physically and mentally difficult to perform their already challenging tasks. The Sense Pavilion makes for a much more comfortable atmosphere and temperature while still enjoying the outdoor setting.

Sensory Trail

2008 will forever been known as the “Year of the Sensory Trail” at Happy Trails Riding Academy. Kiwanis Division 18 approached Happy Trails about a hands on project for their membership. A partnership was formed to take on this 2 acre project.

The Sensory Trail as a lesson is focused to be a trail obstacle course in a natural setting. This allows riders to experience heightened physical challenges while guiding their horses, educating riders on their environment and exercise their social skills with the team of horses, staff and volunteers in a unique setting.

The Sensory Trail focus is on our five senses: vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell. It is visually stimulating by using different shapes, bright colors and interesting objects. The auditory system will be stimulated by the different textures for the horses to walk over. Some of these include a wooden bridge, pea gravel, sand and fall leaves. Song birds, crickets and the like are all welcome. Taste buds will be stimulated from the variety of fruit tress planted. Riders have the opportunity to pick fruit while on the back of a horse. Sense of touch is demonstrated by the vast number of flowers and plants. And finally smell from the variety of foliage.

As Happy Trails Riding Academy continues to be the only PATH, Intl., Premier Accredited Center from Bakersfield to Modesto, the Sensory Trail adds another element that is unmatched in our community.

Hay Barn

New in 2018, the Hay Barn is the latest facility upgrade on our grounds.