NEW ORLEANS — While the price of providing horseback riding classes has skyrocketed to about $80, the New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center of LaPlace continues to service community members in need with affordable $25 classes.

Tucked away at 152 Shadowbrook Lane off of Airline Highway, the nonprofit organization helps children and adults with physical, emotional and learning disabilities build muscle tone and confidence through horse riding.

Community members can party with a purpose this weekend to keep cost of classes accessible to all.

An annual “Rock, Ride and Rescue” fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Rock ‘N’ Bowl New Orleans, located at 3000 South Carrollton Avenue.

Live music from Sunpie Barnes will set the tone for a silent auction, fun-filled raffles and a bake sale. “Staycation” packages, jewelry and home goods are among the items that will be up for bid.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Proceeds will also benefit Molly the Pony Foundation, Hail Mary Rescue and the Louisiana SPCA special needs fund.

Proceeds will be used to provide heartworm treatments and address other medical needs for homeless pets.

Greater New Orleans Therapeutic Riding Center has served St. John the Baptist Parish for more than 25 years, and Executive Director Anita Hefler said it is here to stay.

“We joke that we’re better than Coca-Cola because we’ve never raised our prices,” Hefler said at the 25-year anniversary. “It’s important to us to keep it affordable because families of our riders already have enough expenses as far as medical bills and travel.”

Hefler said the three dimensional movement of a horse is most similar to a human’s walking gait. The movement helps build strength, balance, coordination and head control.

To order tickets for “Rock, Ride and Rescue”, call 504-466-9960 or 985-651-5239. Tickets can also be purchased online at gnotrc.com.