Established in 1987 with borrowed horses, the program provides therapeutic horseback riding to children and adults with physical and mental challenges from Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Counties. Special Equestrians’ facility, purchased in 2007, is located at 5121 Staley Road, Fort Myers, Florida. The ten acre farm is a welcoming and versatile home for Special Equestrians with a twelve stall barn for our horses, a hay and equipment barn, a riding arena, caretaker quarters and office space. In the fall of 2007, a 100 x 200 Metal Cover was built to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for our participants, volunteers, instructors, and horses. In the fall of 2008, a viewing/waiting area was built adjacent to the riding arena. This roof structure provides a safe area to congregate, out of the heat and rain. Its concrete walkways provide a safe traverse through the viewing area and on to the mounting ramp.
Special Equestrians therapeutic riding program achieved Premier Accredited Center status through NARHA (North American Riding Handicapped Association) in 2003. Premier Accreditation requires on an on-site evaluation of policies and procedures covering over eighty (80) standards set forth by NARHA. The accreditation process produces an organization that is not only extremely safe, but very professional. Special Equestrians is better able to serve our community because of our investment in the accreditation process. In the summer of 2009, Special Equestrians successfully completed their second NARHA site visit, which is required every five years in order to retain the status of Premier Accredited Center.
The program supports ten horses and services more than 50 disabled riders each week. Participating riders range in age from two years of age to 60 plus years. Riders’ disabilities include: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Down syndrome, Head Trauma, Stroke, Developmental Delay, Multiple Sclerosis, Seizure Disorder, Hearing Impairment, ADHD, Visual Impairment, Asthma, Loss of Limbs, and Impaired Communication.
The program lessons are divided into six week sessions. Thirty minutes of therapeutic instruction is given to each rider per week, or per lesson. The program is year round (eight consecutive sessions) with the exception of the month of August. A fee of seventy-two dollars ($72.00) for a six-week session is charged per rider. Scholarships are available for those who cannot afford the fee. Medical and liability insurance coverage for riders, volunteers, board of directors and the program site is obtained through NARHA and the Markel Insurance Company.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Special Equestrians, Inc. is a nonprofit organization which helps mentally and physically challenged individuals by providing a structured therapeutic horseback riding program and equine assisted activities. The organization serves people referred by Special Equestrians' Student doctors and therapists for many physical challenges such as: Down syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke victims, autism, cerebral palsy, deafness and other problems. There are 50 riders taking lessons each week and there is a waiting list. More information is available by calling us at 239-226-1221, or reach us by mail at:
Special Equestrians, Inc.
P.O. Box 61528
Fort Myers, Fl. 33906-1528
Facility location:
5121 Staley Road
Fort Myers, FL 33905
