VARHA

150 Wagner Drive
Franklin, PA 16323

814-437-RIDE (7433) VARHA, the Venango Area Riding for the Handicapped Association, was founded in March of 1980.

VARHA has been providing therapeutic horseback riding for children, adolescents, and adults with special needs ever since. Dr. Louis and Mary Wagner are considered to be the founders of VARHA. The program got its start by using borrowed horses and holding therapy sessions at the Venango County 4-H fairgrounds. In 1994, 40 acres of land was purchased from Polk Center and the current facility became

a reality. A 13-stall barn and outdoor arena were built in 1995, utilizing mainly volunteer labor. An indoor, insulated arena was completed in 1997, with an office and classroom being added at a later date. A rotational gazing and pasture watering system for the horses was installed in 2011. An additional 8.14 acres was purchased in 2012. An old house and rubble from an old barn were cleared from the newly acquired land in 2013. The remaining buildings are used to house farm equipment and for storage. The added land is being used for haying and outdoor riding trails. VARHA continues to grow and help more members of the community each year. The program offerings were expanded over the last several years to include therapeutic riding programs for families in drug & alcohol and mental health treatment, 'at risk' youth, and young riders (ages 3-7) with documented special needs. VARHA also offers a 'Horses for Healing' program to assist military veterans and other adults who have experienced some sort of life-changing trauma.

02/17/2026

Volunteers are such a big part of the heart of VARHA, bringing joy, encouragement and positivity to our riders. If you would like to learn more, please join us on March 21st.
💕

02/10/2026

The days are getting longer, the sun will shine warmer and the snow will eventually melt 🤞😊, and VARHA will begin a wonderful season of programs!

The 2026 registration forms are now available on our website!

www.varha.org

02/07/2026

The snow is deep, the temps frigid, but when we look out and see these silly kids….it’s all joy! 😁💕

01/06/2026

With all the snow on the ground, snowflakes in the air and ice balls on whiskers, it’s hard to believe that our 2026 riding season is just around the corner!
We’ll keep you posted and look forward to seeing you in 2026😁!
Happy New Year!

11/15/2025

The weather is shaping up to be perfect for Christmas at the Farm today! Stop on out and take your chances at the raffle table and say hi to the horses!

11/03/2025

Everyone at VARHA offers their deepest condolences to the family of Amanda Barber. Amanda was a remarkable person, a beautiful soul. Her memory will live on in the collective hearts of all who knew her.

Share memories & support the family

10/25/2025

Come visit VARHA at the YMCA Truck or Treat! We are here until noon 🎃

09/05/2025

Did someone say it’s “Pumpkin Spice” season!

07/22/2025

One of our July horse camp participants, Joe, wrote a story involving all of the VARHA horses. We love it, thanks Joe!

06/27/2025

🎉🔍 Join Us for the 1st Annual VARHA Scavenger Hunt! 🔍🎉
📅 Saturday, July 12, 2025
📍 VARHA – 150 Wagner Drive, Franklin, PA
🕚 11:00 AM Check-In | 11:45 AM Hunt Begins | 3:00 PM Final Check-In

Spend the afternoon exploring our community with fun-filled challenges sponsored by different local businesses. After the hunt, enjoy some grilled goodies and find out which team completed the most stops and win some prizes!

Get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure, teamwork, and community spirit all to benefit a great cause: VARHA!

💻 Sign up online at varha.org or mail your registration to VARHA.

Send a message to learn more

06/13/2025

✨✨ISO ✨✨

VARHA is in need of a gator!

Looking for:
- 6x4 John Deere gator (or comparable)
- in running condition

Please reach out via FB messenger or email [email protected]

Address

150 Wagner Drive
Franklin, PA
16323

Telephone

+18144377433

Website

http://www.varha.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when VARHA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to VARHA:

Shortcuts

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Franklin?