Therapeutic and Recreational Riding Center

Thirty years ago, Dr. Helen Tuel realized the value of therapeutic horseback riding, enrolled at Vanderbilt University, earned a doctorate in Education Administration researching the benefit of play in learning, and founded TRRC with her husband, John, in 1983 with a borrowed pony and a teen with Down Syndrome. Initially meeting at a Vanderbilt Alumni Event, Stephanie Albright and Helen Tuel became business partners over 2 and half decades ago. With the help of the Stephanie Albright Foundation, TRRC moved on a swift trajectory, propelling to a level of excellence, and now is ranked as one of the top 10 therapeutic riding centers in the United States.

Since then, the center has flourished and is now also a place for recreational riders and volunteers who want to share in the work that we do. It is a safe and nurturing environment, where special bonds develop with horse and rider, therapists and volunteers.

An event to highlight is the TRRC Annual Golf Classic in memory of Stephanie Albright. This is a fun, all-day golf charity event where all proceeds are donated to benefit Therapeutic & Recreational Riding Center. This event helps fund and reinforces the value that it gives to individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding.

Therapeutic horseback riding can be effective in improving motor skills like strength and balance, building confidence and improving quality of life for these individuals.

Therapeutic and recreational riding lessons at TRRC are taught by riding instructors, and clients work specifically on horseback riding skills.