Riding Toward Connection: The Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Episode 6: Riding Toward Connection: Allie from RAD on Therapeutic Riding
What’s Inside This Episode
What’s Inside This Episode
In this episode, I’m joined by Allie Sarnataro from Ride Above Disability—better known as RAD—in Poway, CA. Allie shares how her path from volunteer to executive director has been shaped by passion, purpose, and a deep love for the community RAD serves. We talk about how lessons are thoughtfully designed around each student, how horses and instructors are carefully matched, and the many meaningful ways people can volunteer—on or off the ranch (these horses really are the sweetest).
Allie also shares where you can meet the RAD team in person—like the Poway Farmers Market or their holiday gift wrapping fundraiser at Mary’s Tack & Feed. I’m so grateful for the work Allie and her team do—and for the connection we’ve built through it.
Episode Highlights
This week we talk about:
How Allie grew from RAD volunteer to executive director—and why mentorship still plays a big role in her work
The process of matching each rider with the right horse and instructor to ensure comfort, growth, and connection
Why regulation and emotional presence matter not just for riders, but for instructors and volunteers, too
The calming and intuitive nature of horses, and how they serve as both teachers and co-regulators in sessions
How RAD offers flexible programming, from recreational riding to sessions informed by speech, OT, and PT goals
Upcoming ways to support RAD through volunteering, gift wrapping events, and community outreach
Mentioned in this episode:
🔗 December gift wrapping event at Mary’s Tack & Feed
🔗 Poway Farmers Market (quarterly RAD booth appearances)
Connect with Allie
🔗 Visit the Website → radtrc.org
🔗 Follow on Instagram → @rideabovedisability
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