SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program

07/29/2026

Today we celebrate Equine Assisted Services (EAS) Day!

July 29 honors the legacy of Lis Hartel, the Danish equestrian who won two Olympic silver medals after being paralyzed by polio. Her courage, perseverance, and partnership with her horse helped inspire the growth of therapeutic riding and Equine Assisted Services around the world.

Her story reminds us that our work isn't about crossing a finish line. It's about taking the next step, celebrating every achievement, and discovering new possibilities together.

We are grateful every day for the opportunity to serve this incredible community and feel truly blessed to be part of the journeys of our participants and their families. Thank you for allowing us to share in your successes, both big and small.

Happy !

07/21/2026

SPIRIT is Hiring: Part-Time Barn & Facilities Manager

Do you love creating order out of busy mornings? Are you happiest in a barn where horses are well cared for, volunteers feel supported, and everyone knows what needs to be done?

SPIRIT Open Equestrian, a nonprofit therapeutic riding center located at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA, is looking for a Part-Time Barn & Facilities Manager to lead our weekday morning barn operations.

What you'll do

Lead daily horse care and barn operations
Lead and support our amazing volunteer team
Manage feed, hay, bedding, and barn supplies
Keep the barn and facilities clean, safe, and running smoothly
Help create a welcoming, positive environment

The Details
• Weekday mornings (approximately 20–25 hours/week)
• Compensation: $20 - 25/hour, based on experience
• Typical schedule: 7:30 AM–11:30 AM
• Located at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, VA

We're looking for someone who has:
• Strong horse management experience
• Experience leading or supervising others (volunteers or staff)
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• A collaborative, can-do attitude

To view the full job description or apply, send your resume (or a summary of your experience) to [email protected].

Know someone who'd be a great fit? We'd appreciate you sharing this post!

06/29/2026

Thanks to our friends at Equestrian Friends of Frying Pan for sharing a reminder that we have classes open in August!

We have opened a few slots in our summer Therapeutic and Beginner Horseback Riding classes at Frying Pan Farm Park for new families.

We are offering a shorter 4-week summer session that’s perfect for families who are new to SPIRIT. Our therapeutic riding classes are open to riders ages 4 through adult, and beginner lessons are available for children ages 7–15.

If you’d like to sign up and/or read more about our equestrian programs, you can view our Parktakes listings at the link below.

We’d love to welcome a few new families into the barn this summer!

Spots available! Register for a 4-week summer session of SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program Therapeutic or Beginner Horseback Riding classes at Frying Pan Farm Park.

Therapeutic riding classes are open to riders ages 4-adult, and beginner lessons are available for children ages 8-14.

Signups are available at https://fairfax.usedirect.com/FairfaxFCPAWeb/ACTIVITIES/Search.aspx?search_text=horseback%20riding

06/28/2026

It is officially summer at Spirit, and Coco is our horse of the month!
Coco is a sweet and wise pony that loves working in all of our programs with kids. She gets along great with everybody and is especially thrilled to participate in camps! Coco is grateful to be sponsored by Chris G, but is asking for coverage for her friends Evie, Ellie, Cosette, Huckleberry, and Buttercup.
Can you give them the support Coco has? Email [email protected] to sponsor ($500, $1k, $2,500, and $5k options).

06/14/2026

Suhani and Eeyore working on independent walk/trot transitions by counting out loud for the group

06/14/2026

Alison and Pumpkin

06/12/2026

Thank you to everyone who has supported Evie through her recovery journey!
Since mid-February, Evie has been undergoing treatment for a serious eye injury. Thanks to the dedicated care of her veterinary team, our barn volunteers, and the generosity of supporters like you, she has made tremendous progress. As of early June, her condition is stable, and she is truly on the mend.
It has been an exhausting road for both Evie and her caretakers, but we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. While she still has a catheter in place and requires ongoing care, we are down to a single medication, twice daily.
True to her nature, Evie has been incredibly brave throughout . She is already enjoying a gradual return to work in our lessons with the participants who adore her.
We are deeply grateful for the support that has made her treatment possible. Your generosity has helped ensure that Evie can continue serve our riders and families.

Thank you for being part of Evie's story.

Our SPIRIT friend and fellow horse person - Chloe C. - is generously running a campaign to support our pony Evie.

She's a Junior in High School and is making a real difference for Evie who is suffering from an eye condition that's required months of care!

Thank you, Chloe! We're so proud of you for doing this wonderful thing for Evie and our Therapeutic Riding program!

You can find out more - and donate ❤️ - here: https://spiritequestrian.org/how-to-help/evie-vision-fund.html

Thank you!

05/31/2026

Thank you Horse Sponsors for coming out to hang with our herd! We're so grateful for all of you and can't wait until next time.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Ask any of your instructors or email [email protected]

05/26/2026

Our SPIRIT friend and fellow horse person - Chloe C. - is generously running a campaign to support our pony Evie.

She's a Junior in High School and is making a real difference for Evie who is suffering from an eye condition that's required months of care!

Thank you, Chloe! We're so proud of you for doing this wonderful thing for Evie and our Therapeutic Riding program!

You can find out more - and donate ❤️ - here: https://spiritequestrian.org/how-to-help/evie-vision-fund.html

Thank you!

05/19/2026

Hi SPIRIT families! We have the rare occurrence of some openings for our 4 week Summer Sessions.

We wanted you to be the first to know about it - and would love to have you join us!

For M-Th the weeks of June 10 - July 2 and Aug 3 - 27, you can sign up for Beginning or Therapeutic Riding through Fairfax County Parktakes https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes - just search Equestrian classes!