About CKRH
OUR Mission & Values
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope is dedicated to enriching the community by improving the quality of life and health of children and adults with special physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs through therapeutic activities with horses.
We strive to:
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Offer equine-assisted activities and therapies that challenge individuals with disabilities to reach their maximum potential.
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Provide a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
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Promote diversity and inclusion in every aspect of our programs.
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Maintain excellence in the care and management of our therapeutic horse herd.
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Recognize and value our volunteers as our most important resource.
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Honor our donors by ensuring their support produces meaningful impact.
OUR HISTORY
The Early Days
Central Kentucky Riding for Hope was founded in 1981 through a collaboration between Dr. Peter Bosomworth, then Chancellor of the University of Kentucky Medical Center, and a group of local horse enthusiasts. The pilot program, which used borrowed horses to serve just four participants, aimed to provide an alternative to machine-based and table-top therapies by harnessing the three-dimensional movement of the horse—closely mirroring the human stride. The success of this effort led to a permanent home in a converted tobacco barn at the newly established Kentucky Horse Park. Operating seasonally at first, CKRH earned accreditation through the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) in 1987 and was recognized as a Premier Accredited Center by 1998.
The Next Step
As interest in our therapeutic activities grew, it quickly became clear that a seasonal program could no longer meet the needs of our community. In 2005, the CKRH Board of Directors launched a $4 million capital campaign to expand services year-round. By 2011, our state-of-the-art indoor facility was complete, eliminating barriers of weather and daylight. This new space not only ensured consistent access to therapeutic riding but also opened the door to expanded programming, including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, and equine-facilitated learning.
Where We Are Now
We are proud to partner with organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Easterseals Bluegrass, Fayette County Public Schools, the Kentucky National Guard, and Camp Brown Bear to provide group therapeutic services. Since 1981, CKRH has served thousands of individuals living with disabilities. With the generous support of our community, we remain committed to expanding our reach and maximizing the impact of equine-assisted services—bringing the benefits of therapeutic riding and related programs to an even more diverse range of clients in need.
FACILITY
The success of our programming is made possible in large part by our state-of-the-art facility, the John A. and Virginia Creech Therapeutic Riding Center. Our indoor arena allows us to provide year-round services without the limitations of weather or daylight, ensuring participants have consistent access to the services they rely on—a vital component of their growth and development.
Located within the renowned Kentucky Horse Park, CKRH features:
40 acres outdoor space including paddocks, run-in sheds, and automatic watering systems
A dressage arena, round pen, and a sensory trail for a fully immersive equine experience
2 ADA-compliant ramped mounting platforms—one indoor and one outdoor—designed to help all mounted participants gain as much independence as possible during the mounting process
A SureHands lift system that enables participants who use a wheelchair to mount their horse safely and comfortably
More than 50,000 square feet under one roof with an arena, stalls, wash racks, tack rooms, and storage
A three-classroom education center, home to The Stables, two observation areas, staff offices, and a conference room equipped with a commercial kitchen