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SMART – Sarasota Manatee Association For Riding Therapy – FLORIDA
SMART was founded by Betsey London-Fish of Greenwood Riding Academy in Sarasota shortly after she observed striking improvements in one of her young riding students who was dealing with the challenges of Cerebral Palsy. She decided to start a not-for-profit organization that would provide therapeutic horseback riding for other children and adults with special needs.
At SMART, we strive to improve the quality of the lives of our SMART Riders and their families through therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and equine assisted activities. Through respectful partnerships with our horses, we create an environment that promotes a life of inclusion, respect, growth and independence.
Mission Statement:
Enriching the lives of people with special needs through therapeutic horse-related programs.
Rider Scholarships:
It is our goal at SMART to be able to provide our services to all eligible individuals in need of the benefits of therapeutic riding, regardless of their financial situation. Currently, the Program Fees collected amount to only 11% of our total revenues. SMART charges a nominal fee of $25 per lesson, but no one is ever turned away. A sliding scale fee is also offered, but the reality is that over 60% of our families are unable to contribute anything toward their lesson fees.
Hours of Operation
Group therapeutic riding lessons are given on: Tuesdays from 5:00 – 7:00 Thursdays from 5:00 – 7:00 Saturdays from 8:00 – 1:00 Private lessons and carriage driving lessons are offered throughout the week at various times during the day.
Call 322-2000 for more information.
