About Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc.

Location:

4640 CR 675 E, Bradenton, FL 34211, US

Mission Statement

At SMART, we empower lives through the healing power of horses. Through therapeutic horse-related programs and activities our SMART riders and their families' quality of life is significantly improved. Through respectful partnerships with our horses, we create an environment that promotes a life of inclusion, respect, growth and independence.

Description

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 participant.
SMART is a PATH Int'l, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, Premier Center providing equine assisted services since 1987.