Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy

The Benefits of our Program are Many

SMART provides an all encompassing horsemanship program---where participants learn to groom and tack up their horses, ride to the utmost of their ability, and care for their horses afterwards. All of these horsemanship skills provide the participant with many physical, emotional and cognitive benefits! Some of these benefits include an increase in physical strength and stamina, an improvement in posture, balance and coordination, and an increase in attention span and independent skills. An increase in self-esteem and a sense of empowerment are also gained from fostering a respectful, affectionate, working "partnership" with their horse. At SMART, the movement of the horse, the connection to the horse, and the natural environment are all used to help heal the body, mind and spirit of each SMART Rider.

Horses Make the Difference

There has always been something special about the connection between human and horse----and our SMART Horses prove that every day. Our Horses are patient, gentle and kind---and take their job as "trusty steed" seriously. They also love to be loved on! These attributes, along with creative caring on the part of our Volunteers, make it possible for our SMART Riders to receive the maximum therapeutic experience.

Volunteers Make it Happen

Volunteers are the heart and soul of SMART! As a not-for-profit organization that is mostly volunteer powered, SMART depends and relies on the support and strength of many, many dedicated and caring people. SMART Volunteers are exceptional people! The gift of their time and talents make it possible for every SMART Rider to celebrate the freedom of movement, the companionship of a horse, and the feeling of inclusion and acceptance that comes from being surrounded by people that care about them.

Safety is Always First

SMART has been in existence as a not-for-profit organization since 1987 and is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Int’l Premier Accredited Center. This accreditation from PATH Intl. recognizes that SMART’s program meets basic standards for health and safety and promotes the well-being of all participants and equines. SMART is one of only 14 Premier Accredited Centers in Florida and the only one in Manatee and Sarasota counties. All of the Riding Instructors are certified by PATH Int'l and are well versed in working with the special needs of each of the participants. At SMART, we take pride in our ability to provide our participants with a quality program that provides a safe, therapeutic and fun experience with goals and objectives adapted to the individual needs of each rider.

Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 Organization. All Contributions are Tax Deductible. CH4398 65-0043354

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.