2026 Summer Camp — July 27–31

We welcome therapeutic and traditional riders to our farm in Powhatan

A place for everyone. Mesa Vista Farm has offered breeding, boarding, and lesson programs since 1995, and therapeutic riding since 1996.

Explore Lessons Summer Camp Info
A Place For Everyone

Partnering with horses to empower humans

Mesa Vista Farm was established in January 1995, offering breeding, boarding and lesson programs. Therapeutic riding was added in 1996. The farm evolved into Mesa Vista Therapeutics, Inc. (MVT) and became a 501c3 organization in November 2005, making its primary mission working with individuals with special needs.

What We Offer

Programs at Mesa Vista

Rider using an adaptive saddle feeding a horse a carrot

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Physical therapy for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive and social special needs.

Learn more →
Rider and instructor working together over fences

Traditional Riding Lessons

Hunter/jumper, hunt seat, dressage and western lessons available for basic to advanced riders.

Learn more →
Group of camp kids with horses in the indoor arena

Summer Camps & Holiday Programs

Summer and winter programs for all experience levels to ride, learn about horses and enjoy other fun activities.

Learn more →
Birthday party group posing with horses in the barn

Parties & Group Events

From birthday parties to scouting troops — activities are catered to each group and can include crafts and pony rides.

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“Derik has been diagnosed with ADHD, Asperger's and Sensory Processing Disorder. Riding is starting to increase his stamina and ability to do something for more than a few minutes. His self-confidence has increased and his ability to interact with other people. MVT has also been a great place to practice his social skills.” — Andrea
Lessons

Traditional & Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Mesa Vista is an all-inclusive program. When possible, riders of all abilities participate together. Our traditional lesson program helps support the therapeutic lesson program.

Rider using an adaptive saddle feeding a horse a carrot

Therapeutic Riding Lessons

Physical therapy for individuals with a range of physical, emotional, cognitive and social special needs, taught by our experienced instructors in a supportive, all-abilities environment.

New rider? Please call or email first to confirm availability — mvtlessons@gmail.com or 804.598.1543.
Instructor working with a rider and horse in an outdoor arena

Traditional Riding Lessons

Hunter/Jumper, Hunt Seat, Dressage, and Western Pleasure lessons for basic to advanced riders. Traditional lessons help support our therapeutic riding program.

  • Saturday morning lesson slots available
  • Group and private lessons
Scheduling: our online booking calendar is being updated — for now, please email or call to schedule a Saturday lesson slot.
Download Waiver & Release Form
Camps, Parties & Events

Camps, Parties & Events

2026 Summer Camp

One week available this summer: July 27–31, ages 6–12. Participants learn horse care, do crafts, and practice horseback riding, 10am–3pm daily.

$400 for the week

Contact Helen at mvtlessons@gmail.com to register.

Camp group posing with horses in the indoor arena, holding a hand-painted banner

Summer Camps & Holiday Programs

Mesa Vista Farm hosts several camps throughout the year during summer vacation and holiday breaks. Participants of all skill levels — from beginner to advanced — learn horse care, do crafts, and practice horseback riding twice a day.

Please reach out for the latest camp schedule and pricing.

Birthday party group posing with horses in the barn

Birthday Parties

Come share the fun of horses on your child's special day! Activities are catered to each group and can include crafts, games and pony rides on our gentle horses. Contact us to plan your child's perfect party!

Two riders in holiday-themed costumes with their horses

Events

Mesa Vista also specializes in group events including school trips, church outings and scouting troops. Please contact us to find out how we can accommodate your group.

About Us

Partnering with horses to empower humans

Mesa Vista Therapeutics (MVT) is a 501c3 charity serving traditional riders and riders with a variety of special needs. When possible, riders of all abilities will ride together. MVT helps support the therapeutic program by providing traditional lessons in the following disciplines: Hunter/Jumper, Hunt Seat, Dressage, and Western Pleasure.

Barn aisle at Mesa Vista Farm

The Farm

Conveniently located in Powhatan near 288, our farm has all the amenities you'd expect from a top equine facility and so much more.

  • Indoor & outdoor arenas
  • Tack stalls and wash bays
  • Classroom, snack room and physical therapy/massage/acupuncture room overlooking the indoor arena
  • Wheelchair ramps in addition to mounting blocks
  • Farm friends — horses, llamas, pigs, goat, cats & dogs

Our Team

Helen Messenger holding a baby goat in the barn

Helen Messenger

President, Manager

Helen's interest in horses started at the early age of 5. She graduated in 1972 from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital's Nursing Program, working across General Surgery, Labor & Delivery, and Infant Nursery before focusing on Pediatric care in 1977 — work that evolved into supporting special needs children and adults in 1985.

Helen bought her first horse, Rum Rico Bars, in 1977 and started with trail riding, later competing with Sleepin Partner and breeding Quarter Horses in 1981. Her passion for people and animals defines her goal of “bringing animals and individuals with special needs together.”

Laney Lig Sullivan

Laney Lig Sullivan

Trainer

Trainer at Mesa Vista Farm.

Get Involved

Support Mesa Vista Therapeutics

Your support will help us serve the Powhatan, Amelia, Cumberland, Henrico, Chesterfield and Richmond communities. There are a variety of ways you can get involved:

Volunteer

All levels of experience welcome:

  • Administrative
  • Event staff
  • Farm hand
  • Fund raising
  • Horse handlers
  • Maintenance
  • Marketing
  • Therapeutic riding assistance
  • Spotters & side-walkers
  • Leaders

Call or email if you are interested in volunteering.

Financial Donations

Your tax-deductible contribution helps sponsor our students, feed and care for our program horses, maintain the facility, and keep qualified instructors.

Corporate donors may customize their sponsorship to meet specific philanthropic, marketing, or employee interests.

How to donate: mail a donation to Mesa Vista Therapeutics, or call/email to learn more.

EIN: 13-431-3387

Non-Financial Donations

We will provide a loving home to your:

  • Horse
  • Used / New Tack
  • Used / New Accessories
  • Used / New Farm Equipment

Call or email to learn more about donating.

Gallery

Life at Mesa Vista

Rider on a black horse in show attire Two riders on horses in the outdoor arena Young rider smiling on a bay horse at a show Team with show ribbons by the trailer