About US

Lift Me Up! is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit PATH International Member Center serving the Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, communities, bringing healing and joy to people with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. 

Through our team of horses, volunteers, and PATH-certified instructors, we offer therapeutic riding and wellness programs year-round, 7 days a week. We provide services to multiple underserved populations, including children with physical and neurological challenges, first responders, veterans, individuals in mental health treatment, and residents of senior living facilities.

Founded in 1975 by Colleen Zanin, Lift Me Up! has expanded its programs to incorporate progressive and innovative therapies in inclusive settings. Today, we provide approximately 6,500 session hours for more than 1,000 riders and wellness participants annually. Our therapeutic riders range from ages 5 to 70+, and our wellness groups include veterans, first responders, participants in mental health treatment, and senior living residents. 

Our staff includes PATH certified instructors at registered and advanced levels. Our weekly lesson schedule includes therapeutic riding and group wellness sessions for at-risk teens and a growing First Responders Program. Every summer, we bring campers of all abilities together along with enthusiastic young volunteers for our Summer Camps.