Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.

Address: 733 Hill St.
Bristol, CT 06010 Phone: (860) 314-0007 Email: j.clifton@shepardmeadows.org Website: http://www.shepardmeadowstr.org/

"During the summer of 2004, Janis Clifton became aware of the availability of a property suitable for development as a therapeutic riding center and shared her vision with three friends: Jacqui Brooks, David Desmarais and Anne Perreault. Together, the four of them envisioned Shepard Meadows Therapeutic Riding Center (SMTRC), a therapeutic riding facility to serve the community of Bristol and the surrounding towns, for the benefit of challenged individuals, especially children, fulfilling a lifelong dream of the property's late owner, Katharine Shepard. These four individuals, joined by Sherry Lockhart, became the founding directors of SMTRC and developed a business plan to start this venture, presented the plan to the custodians of the property under Miss Shepard's will, and in December of 2004 obtained permission to use it as the home of SMTRC.

In January of 2005, the founding directors – Janis, Dave, Anne, Jacqui and Sherry – filed for 501(c)3 non-profit status with the IRS and in the spring of 2005 established the first full Board of Directors. The first riding program was offered in May-June of 2006 and additional programs have been held in succeeding fall and spring seasons. A summer program was added in 2009. Additional information and opportunities to contact SMTRC may be found on the other pages of our website."