B.E.A.T. Riding Center, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to provide physically, mentally and emotionally challenged individuals an opportunity for emotional and physical growth through horsemanship. BEAT's home is at Horsin-A-Round Stables 20 miles west of Portland in Banks, Oregon.

Phyllis Herinckx and Jackie Hopper founded BEAT in 1997 when they were inspired by the dramatic physical and cognitive improvements made by Bradley, a student with cerebral palsy and learning impairments, through horse back riding. Phyllis and Jackie wanted to start a program that could help others reap the benefits from therapeutic riding.

Today BEAT serves over 30 disabled riders each week, including riders from Portland and all over Washington County. We also provide instruction to groups from the YWCA, Head Start and the school districts of Forest Grove, Beaverton and Hillsboro. Riders at BEAT include individuals with a wide range of disabilities including Downs syndrome, autism, and cerebral palsy. BEAT is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA) and abides by the association's guidelines for safety and operation.

Our primary funding source is individual contributions. As a federally tax-exempt charitable organization, most of the donations that support BEAT are tax-deductible.

We currently have three instructors. Two of our instructors are certified by NARHA and one is in training. The NARHA certification process tests the applicants' knowledge and skills in the areas of equine management, horsemanship, instruction, teaching methodology and disabilities.The "tools" of the BEAT program are seven highly trained and carefully chosen horses and ponies.

The riders and instructors of BEAT rely on volunteers to make the center a success. Horse experience is needed to lead horses, but not for most of the
other duties.