Therapeutic horsemanship, or riding and working with horses, is a proven way to facilitate physical, social, and emotional benefits. So, Cloverleaf uses these methods to help people with disabilities, youth from marginalized communities, and recovering military personnel become their healthiest, most independent selves. In small groups, summer camps, and private lessons, participants receive personal attention from staff and volunteers as they learn to work with horses, developing strong social bonds while improving their physical health. Certified therapists lead one-on-one physical therapy sessions, while counselors use horses and their movements as treatment tools to focus on mindfulness. Participants build academic and life skills, including teamwork and anger management through small-group, equine-assisted learning services. For many of its 150 weekly clients and 200 volunteers, Cloverleaf’s farm is where they can authentically develop and create connections.
Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County
Where They Operate: VA-Fairfax County
Age Groups Served: All
Population(s) Served: Individuals with Disabilities; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Veterans/Military Families
- Number of lessons/therapy sessions sprovided:
1,145 - Number of people (clients, patrons, students, etc) we serve annually:
285
Awards & Recognition
Children's Charities Foundation, Star for Children Award, December 2014
Press
- Horse of Action
Thu Sep 15 2016, Fairfax Station Connection
Profile of NVTRP rider Cesar Dulanto and upcoming Ride to Thrive Polo Classic fundraising event.
- Peachy Keen's Recovery
Tue Feb 1 2011, FairfaxStation.Patch.com
An update about NVTRP's Community Ambassador: Peachy Keen (aka Peaches). Peaches has been helping therapeutic riders for over 15 years!
- Therapeutic Riding Is 30 Years Strong
Thu Sep 23 2010, The Connection
NVTRP celebrates the 30th anniversary, "Peachy Keen Day", Community Legends, and a $1 million gift.
- Friday's Heroes
Fri Apr 2 2010, WUSA 9 News Now
Horse lovers already know there is something very therapeutic about saddling up and taking a ride. For the disabled . . .
- 2009 American Morgan Horse Association Awardees Announced
Thu Dec 17 2009, United States Equestrian Federation Website
Janlees' Philharmonica, a Morgan Horse who has worked in therapeutic riding for NVTRP since 2000, won for Therapy Horse of the Year.
Budget (FY2022)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Cloverleaf Equine Center (formerly Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program) is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
About Spur Local
Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.
Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!