Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club

Bernadette Olsen was only 14 when she learned how therapeutic riding transforms lives. Raised in Germany, she took a job with an instructor who worked with people with disabilities where she watched small miracles happen everyday. This inspired a life long dream to bring the same possibilities to Newport Beach, CA. 10 years ago, the BBTRC was born. Olsen, a veteran rider, instructor, coach, and horse lover created the non profit while her former roommate, Larry Lake, generously donated half of his estate for the stables.

Bernadette started BBTRC with the amazing support of her husband Jeff and her sons Ebo and Jeffrey. Bernadette has dedicated her life to building a unique program through the challenges of being a mother, wife, in the middle of busy Newport Beach. Bernadette lived at the property since 1990 and turned the place into a sanctuary for rescued horses and other creatures. 

In 2007 BBTRC was official . The BBTRC has served a special niche, offering lessons to riders who may not have access to other programs, providing an intimate and unique environment for our beloved rescue animal family, and our riders and their families.

Today BBTRC has become an amazing place- not only for homeless animals and unwanted horses but also for the many special need clients, their families, and for plenty of volunteers to give back to the local community.

BBTRC is a small non-profit 501(c)3 and one of the last horse sanctuaries in Newport Beach giving ten horses, a pig, a goat, three chickens a FOREVER home. Most of them were undesirable and present moving and dramatic stories of abandonment and abuse, and now empower people with and without special needs with their unconditional love and wisdom. All animals are compassionately cared for by volunteers of all ages, and sponsored mostly by donations. Our facility has evolved from a run-down backyard into an amazing resort over the last 16 years, strictly through hard work and dedication by donors and volunteers. In the past we had to facilitate big fundraisers in order to continue our program but are hoping to rely on grassroots support to further our mission. After 16 years of proof how important our charity is for our community and what a difference we have made so many lives, we remain reliant on local support individuals who share our vision of caring for neglected animals and children and adults with special needs. Our focus is improving the quality of life for our students, maintaining high standards for equine services, and the feeling of purpose for our volunteers in a beautiful and safe setting for everyone.

PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO BACK BAY TRC - MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND COME AND VISIT OUR CENTER TO EXPERIENCE THE LOVE AND EMPOWERMENT FIRST HAND OF OUR WORLD WHICH YOU HELP TO KEEP ALIVE!

Backbayridingclub@yahoo.com

BackBayTRC.org

949-474-7329

The BBTRC is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation

Fed TaxID #20-5773475