Bakas Equestrian Center

The Bakas Equestrian Center is a highly successful program offered FREE to physically and mentally challenged children and adults to enable them to experience the joy, excitement and challenge of horseback riding.   Operated by the Hillsborough County Parks & Recreation department, the program provides exercise,  socialization and competition for participants.

Horseback riding sessions with experienced & certified instructors are offered at the John W. Bakas, Jr. Equestrian Center.  The original center was established in 1987 to provide facilities needed for this special program.  Due to the program’s success & growth Bakas needed to expand.  In 2001 a new state of the art center was donated and built on a new site.  Bakas now boasts a fourteen stall barn, covered arena, two outdoor arenas, maintenance building and an administration complex including offices, accessible restrooms, a classroom and full kitchen.

The essential horses, tack & supplies have been provided by generous donations from caring citizens, businesses and community groups.  Various fund-raisers are held for the center throughout the year.

Riding improves muscle tone, coordination, balance and self-esteem.  Many riders participate in the Special Olympics, challenged horse shows and numerous demonstrations including the World Cup.

Disabled children from Hillsborough County Schools take field trips to the Bakas Center, where riding is available year round.  Parent and physician forms are required for disabled riders ages four and older.

The Bakas Center is an accredited and active member of the North American Riding for Handicapped Association (NARHA) and the Florida Exceptional Equestrian League Network (FEEL'N).  The "Horses for Handicapped" program has received local and national media attention on CNN and in national Horse publications.

Horses for Handicapped

This non-profit organization was formed during the planning stages of Bakas to specifically assist with the Hillsborough County program.  Families, friends, civic groups, local businesses, high school clubs, horse clubs and concerned citizens all share two special interests -- horseback riding and helping people.