Simple Changes is an equine-assisted therapeutic riding center in Lorton, VA, founded in 2005 by Corliss Wallingford and Jenny Spain. They serve about 80 clients with disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, and learning disabilities, as well as veterans, brain injury survivors, and seniors with cognitive challenges.

The center has transformed the lives of its clients, offering them the opportunity to ride horses and experience a sense of empowerment and independence. Clients like Bryan, who has mitochondrial disease, and Erin, who has Angelman syndrome, have benefited greatly from the program, with improvements in strength, balance, and overall quality of life.

Running a nonprofit like Simple Changes comes with challenges, including financial constraints and the need for volunteers. The center charges clients half the cost of lessons and programs, relying on fundraising to cover the rest. Despite these challenges, Simple Changes plans to expand its services in the future, offering a wider range of equine-assisted activities to various groups and individuals.