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Special Equestrians Inc

EIN 63-1064900 · Indian Spgs, AL

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong91 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Our Vision: A community where the impossible becomes possible. Our mission: To enrich the lives of people with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges through a relationship with a horse.

Income
$349,066
Spending
$320,644
Spent on programs
88%
Reserves
8.8 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 61%
Employees
13
Volunteers
150

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 93 out of 100. Higher than 79% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.8 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 8% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 27% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    88% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 7 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 91 out of 100. Higher than 77% of charities in its peer group (human services, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    11 of 11 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (2)
  1. $283,031 spent. Special Equestrians provides therapeutic riding and hippotherapy to children and adults with a wide range of mental, physical, developmental and emotional disabilities. These disabilities include but are not limited to autism spectrum disorders, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, stroke, and traumatic brain injury. Individuals participate in weekly lessons during three terms: Fall, Spring and Summer. A typical lesson is taught by a certifed Therapeutic Riding Instructor with training specific to people with disabilities. It lasts 35 - 45 minutes and teaches riding skills appropriate to the individuals abilties. Classes may also include caring for, grooming, and tacking the horse. Special Equestrians serve over 100 individuals a year and holds Premier Accredited Status, the highest recognition possible, from PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The objective of the program is to maximize the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of therapeutic horseback riding for each participant. Many of the physical benefits are related to the fact that the tri-dimensional hip action of the horse is similar to that of a human. The motion of the horse stimulates dormant nerves, while relaxing and stretching the muscles. It helps to enhance balance, strength and endurance while stimulating circulation and respiration. Therapeutic riding also provides many emotional and psychological benefits. It requires focus, memory utilization, motor planning, sequencing and decision-making skills. Riding necessitates the development of human-animal bonding skills and the ability to respond and adapt to changing situations. It can allow those who demonstrate aggression and/or hyperactivity to channel their behavior into constructive activity and improve the ability or will to follow directions.
  2. The development of these skills improves a riders performance during the riding lesson and often carries forward into their daily lives outside the arena. Program participants most often experience increased confidence, motivation, and self-esteem from learning to control a horse. Perhaps most importantly, riding offers individuals with disabilities freedom - the freedom to be who they are without the restrictions placed on them by their disability. The success of the therapeutic riding program is best seen in the achievements of the riders: Their ability to execute more complex maneuvers and to ride at faster gaits, their increased participation in the lessons and interactions with the horses, volunteers, and staff and their improved quality of life. Special Equestrians Inc. is fortunate to receive over $27,142 in donated services in addition to the use of the 13 acres on which it operates its program, all of which are not reported herein, in order to complete its mission. Additionally, over 200 volunteers provided over 8,000 hours toward our mission accomplishment.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 1996.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.