About Us
In 1997, current Executive Director Amber Varner was hired by a fledgling nonprofit, Agape Institute, to be a trainer and barn manager. In 2003, Agape Institute was dissolved and Forward Stride was incorporated, its creation facilitated by Amber and a small group of fellow volunteers.
Founded to meet the demand for therapeutic horseback riding services in the Portland Metro area, Forward Stride is a haven of learning, growing, and healing for individuals of all abilities, ages, and walks of life.
Our programs serve over 200 clients a week at our permanent home off of Farmington Road in Beaverton. A philosophy of safety and inclusion underlies all of our programs.
Our beautiful facility is thoughtfully designed to support our therapeutic, educational, and recreational equine programs. With six mini barns and shared turnouts, along with additional pastures and shelters, we provide a comfortable, spacious environment for our horses. Multiple arenas ensure a safe and versatile space for clients in all of our programs.
Forward Stride offers a wide variety of equine-assisted services from riding to vaulting to mental health therapy.
Accreditations, Memberships, and Awards
