Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center

05/30/2026

Happy Weekend! 🌸🎉🐴

This morning, Aliza (Volunteer Coordinator) led orientation and training for some new volunteers! 👯

They learned about Riverwood’s programming, volunteer responsibilities, participants, and horses! 🐎

⚪️Mission: Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center provides professional equine assisted services to individuals impacted by social, emotional, developmental, physical or other disabilities.

⚪️Vision: Riverwood strengthens communities by providing an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals impacted by disabilities grow and thrive through the profound connection between people, horses, and the natural world.

If you are interested in volunteering this summer, please contact Aliza at [email protected] 👍

P.S. What should we name our new instructional dummy (pictured)? Leave suggestions in our comments! 🙏🏼

05/29/2026

Time flies when you’re having fun! 💃🏻🎆🎉

Can’t believe it’s been over a month since our 2026 Spring Fling Horse Show🥇

Thanks to Reset & Focus Photography, we were able to capture so many memories! 💖

Hope to see everyone for our 2027 show 😁

05/27/2026

This morning, Riverwood’s Volunteer Coordinator Aliza & Lead Instructor Amanda led individuals in Leader Training, in preparation to serve as leaders (actual LEADERS using a LEADline 〰️) for our horses during participant sessions.

Don’t have horse experience? We will teach you! 🐴

Sign up for a developing leader session by emailing Amanda at [email protected] 👍

You will learn:
⚪️Practice
⚪️Perspective
⚪️Traditional vs. adaptive riding leading
⚪️Equine communication
⚪️Rider support
⚪️Redirecting undesired behavior

⚪️… and more!

05/26/2026

Thank you to for providing such great footage of our Gallop & Graze Gala 🌸

05/25/2026

It’s been just over one week since our inaugural Gallop & Graze Gala 🌸

Thank you to all of our sponsors and donors!

More images to be posted tomorrow!

Check out the aerial coverage of the event

Until next year…

05/22/2026

When your markings blend with the effects of your mud bath 🤣 Nice job, Spots 💯

So what are the primary reasons that horses roll? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Horses roll in the dirt for natural grooming, comfort, and protection. It helps them scratch hard-to-reach itches, loosen tight muscles, regulate their temperature by drying off, and create a layer of dust that acts as a natural shield against the sun and biting insects 🪰

Key Reasons Horses Roll
* Self-Grooming & Shedding: Rolling acts as a natural exfoliant. It loosens dead hair, massages the skin, and helps distribute the horse’s natural oils. It also provides major relief from the itchiness that comes with shedding winter coats.
* Insect & Sun Protection: A layer of dust or mud acts as a physical barrier against flies and biting bugs. It also serves as a natural sunscreen, protecting their skin from the sun.
* Physical Relief: Rolling stretches the back and spine, which can provide a relaxing massage and help work out tight muscles.
* Relaxation & Happiness: Horses will often roll simply because they feel safe, comfortable, and happy. It is a very common behavior when they are turned out into a new pasture or after a relaxing ride.

✨Note: While rolling is normal, vigorous or frantic rolling can be a sign of abdominal pain (colic). Colic-related rolling is often accompanied by other symptoms like sweating, pawing, and looking back at the flank.

05/21/2026

05/20/2026

Nobody likes the dentist, even Spots! But this guy received some needed dental attention from Sullivan Equine this morning! 🦷

Routine dental care is a vital part of keeping our herd healthy 💯

At least annually, every Riverwood horse gets dental care 🏥

Horses have 36 to 44 permanent teeth depending on their s*x, and uniquely, these teeth continue to erupt throughout their entire lifetime. Because they chew in a circular, grinding motion, sharp points regularly form on the edges. Routine floating (filing) is required every 6–12 months to prevent painful mouth sores and weight loss 😷

Through a horse sponsorship, you can help support our guys and gals with the vital dental care they need to properly function 🫶🏼

To contribute to a horse sponsorship, contact Executive Director Michele Carter at [email protected] 🙏🏼

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

The minis visited Salemtowne earlier this week - accompanied by Riverwood’s Michele and Kyle.

Fun was had by all ✅

Midnight and Candyman have certainly made their mark among the residents.

☀️☀️☀️

Salemtowne is a nonprofit Life Plan Community (Continuing Care Retirement Community) that provides the highest standards and options for seniors at all stages.

Salemtowne offers a full spectrum of services and amenities, all designed to stimulate the social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being of their residents.

Established near the original home of North Carolina’s Moravian settlers in Winston-Salem, Salemtowne has worked to create a strong sense of community. Salemtowne has embraced strong Moravian roots over the last five decades and will continue to nurture these values as they grow into the future.