Our History
Lothlorien is the Land of Flowering Dreams in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.
Established in 1983, Lothlorien was run out of a 2-horse barn on Maple Road in East Aurora. The program grew and, in 1986, the current property on Reiter Road was attained through a grant from the Margaret L. Wendt Foundation. Lothlorien is located just outside of the Village of East Aurora, New York.
Our Purpose
Today, Lothlorien Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. (LTRC) provides horsemanship and horseback riding opportunities for individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional and learning disabilities. We are open to the public and do not require a diagnosis to participate. We welcome over 500 participants year round, ages 3 and up, ranging from participants with special needs, Veterans, at-risk youth, hospice patients, siblings, beginner recreational riders and many more. Our programs range from therapeutic riding lessons, natural horsemanship workshops, groundwork clinics, reading programs, school and day program field trips, and Make a Wish visits.
We can all benefit from horses, so our doors are open to all. The goal of our program is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for individuals to experience the benefits of horseback riding and horsemanship skills. The facilities at LTRC are designed to accommodate riders with disabilities. Through the use of special mounting ramps, a wide variety of adaptive equipment and the cooperation of our trusted, loyal and specially-trained horses, LTRC has been able to meet the needs of the population we serve while maintaining strict safety guidelines. Programs at LTRC are conducted by trained instructors and over 200 trained volunteers dedicated to providing the highest quality programs for individuals. Note: We do not offer trail rides, pony rides or one-time rides, sorry.
Surrounded by trees in a secluded, tranquil setting, the ten acre LTRC center is located just outside the Village of East Aurora in upstate New York. The facility consists of seven pastures, a 13-stall barn, a large outdoor sand riding arena and the 170’x80’ indoor INSULATED AND HEATED Angel Arena, built in 2015. Families and caregivers are welcome to watch lessons in the viewing area and there is an administrative office and on-site housing for the barn manager. As you enter our facility, you’ll find white picket fences on both sides providing a great view of our team of horses!
Our Mission Statement
Assisting individuals to develop their highest potential through therapeutically based equine activities.