Our Operations

Operation Transparency

Lift Me Up! operates with strong governance and risk management approaches, bylaws, annual audits, and finance and development committees. We adhere to all Fairfax County Special Permit specifications.

Our organization also maintains a GuideStar/Candid Gold Seal of Transparency, which is a high-level, voluntary accreditation for nonprofits that indicates a deep commitment to sharing data on strategy, metrics, and financials. Lift Me Up! also maintains a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating we exceed industry standards. We adhere to all Fairfax County Special Permit specifications.

Therapeutic Riding

Lift Me Up! Therapeutic Riding Programs focus on building confidence, trust, and emotional regulation through calming connections with horses. Each rider has a special bond with their equine partner and instructor, and develops physically, mentally, and emotionally through individualized plans. 

Our PATH-certified instructors work to understand each rider's needs and match them with the horse that best fits. Riding lessons on a chosen horse have helped clients learn to sit or stand unassisted; walk independently; improve motor coordination, balance, and attention span; increase self-esteem and confidence; resolve emotional and psychological challenges; and enhance social and communication skills.

Wellness Programs

Lift Me Up’s Equine-Assisted Wellness Center is a place of respite in a serene environment from the stress of everyday life. We offer unmounted programs to groups where groups of participants work with our trained horses and instructors in groups exercises to improve self-awareness, decision making, problem solving, and building confidence learned through observing herd behavior. Bolstered by the profound healing power of horses, our mental health programs help individuals overcome emotional and mental health challenges through guided interactions with our equine herd. 

Additional Services

Lift Me Up! also occasionally hosts DC school field trips for special needs classes to provide students with exposure to horses and our rural environment — increasing evidence underscores the detrimental effects of disconnection from natural environments. Every summer, we offer inclusive horsemanship camps for children and teens, bringing those with disabilities together with the community to teach acceptance of everyone and to encourage respect. Campers of all abilities learn horseback riding, horsemanship, arts and crafts, and teambuilding.

Facilities, Staff, and Volunteers

Lift Me Up! operates at two rural locations in Great Falls, Virginia. Our main barn is located on 6 acres and includes both indoor and outdoor riding rings. Our Wellness Center is a 4-acre barn site with an outdoor riding ring where only wellness sessions take place.

Lift Me Up! has a small, dedicated (mostly part-time) staff including an Executive Director, a Program Director, Barn Managers, a Volunteer Coordinator, and professionals serving other administrative functions. We also secure regular veterinarian, farrier, equine nutrition, manure management, and other expert services.

We employ four riding instructors, all of whom are PATH-certified as Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRI), and two of these instructors are also certified Equine Specialists in Mental Health and Learning. This ensures Lift Me Up! provides unsurpassed therapeutic riding instruction. CTRI Instructors have met established criteria and standards of practice in the field and have demonstrated knowledge of disabilities, equines, teaching, and human-animal interactions necessary for effective performance as therapeutic riding instructors.

Our work and achievements would not be possible without our many committed volunteers. In 2025, volunteers spent more than 10,000 hours — services valued at more than $200,000 — helping Lift Me Up! achieve our mission. These volunteers, ages 16 to 70+, do everything from mucking stalls and assisting with riding lessons to caring for our herd, maintaining and repairing fences, and providing pasture care.

Client Safety

Safety is first at Lift Me Up! Through instructor, volunteer, and equine training, we carefully match clients with their ideal horse companions. As is required for PATH-certifications, we follow the extensive safety protocols outlined in the PATH Manual and follow a color-coded volunteer management system to ensure our volunteers are trained to match their skill level as they lead, walk with, and handle horses in lessons.

Caring for our Horses

Lift Me Up! staff and volunteers provide excellent care for all our horses. We adhere to PATH International standards for horse care, including staying below recommended workload limits, and providing two mandatory rest days, consistent monitoring, and appropriate environmental safeguards. We also adhere to all Fairfax County Special Permit specifications. 

All horses at Lift Me Up! receive routine and preventive veterinary care, including dentistry, farrier services, vaccinations, and regular physical examinations, as well as prompt evaluation and extensive testing of any unanticipated health concerns. Our staff and veterinarians are familiar with each animal’s health history, temperament, and individual needs. 

Pastures, turnout areas, and barns are maintained responsibly and are appropriate for therapeutic riding horses. Our properties are managed to protect equine health while minimizing impacts on neighboring properties. We are more than compliant with Fairfax County horse-to-land ratios with a maximum of 13 horses instead of an allowable 18. 

Fencing, footing, shelter, and feeding areas meet accepted industry standards for safety and functionality. The facilities and operational model are well-designed to comfortably support our herd. 

Compassion and concern for our horses’ well-being have always been, and will always be, a top priority. Much of our programming consists of wellness and interaction activities in which our horses are not ridden; instead, they are groomed, bathed, led, or gently handled — activities that are typically well-tolerated by horses and impose minimal physical demands. Under-saddle work is similarly well-managed by strictly following PATH International guidelines.