# AHEAD With Horses

> Therapeutic riding · Sun Valley. Equine therapy through vaulting, or gymnastics on a horse, for disabled, disadvantaged and special needs children in Shadow Hills and Sullivan Canyon.
- Ages: Up to age 21
- Price: ask the provider
- Sign-up: Waitlist
- Address: 10157 Johanna Avenue, Sun Valley, CA 91040
- Website: https://aheadwithhorsesla.org/
- Phone: (818) 767-6373
- Email: info@awhla.org
- On Summerground: https://summerground.com/sun-valley/ahead-with-horses

## Therapeutic vaulting (equine therapy)

Up to age 21

Equine therapy using vaulting, also called gymnastics on a horse, for disabled, disadvantaged and special needs children. The program says the hundreds of children it serves each year regularly reach physical, mental and emotional milestones. A regional center services list describes equine and therapeutic horseback riding at Shadow Hills and Sullivan Canyon for ages 3-12. Lessons are led by Executive Director and Head Instructor Michelle Newman, working with volunteers and instructors training toward the Instructor for Riders with Disabilities (IRD) certification. Lesson income covers only a small part of costs; donations and grants fund the rest, and lesson payments are made through the website. The schedule is currently full, and families can join the wait list by completing the New Student Intake Form.

- Sign up: https://aheadwithhorsesla.org/

## About AHEAD With Horses

AHEAD With Horses, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that calls itself the Los Angeles Center for Developmental Therapeutic Vaulting. Its stated mission is to improve the quality of life of disabled, disadvantaged and special needs children through equine therapy using vaulting, also known as gymnastics on a horse. The program began in 1968 and is led by Executive Director and Head Instructor Michelle Newman. Lessons are held at the ranch in Shadow Hills, and a mobile program runs at Sullivan Canyon. The seed's Sun Valley address differs from the Shadow Hills address the website publishes.

Details from https://aheadwithhorsesla.org/, checked October 12, 2026. Confirm prices and dates with the provider before signing up.