Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)

08/21/2024

In honor of Labor Day we will be giving our herd a well deserved long weekend off and be closed 8/31-9/2. Lessons will resume on Tuesday 9/3. Enjoy your celebrations! 🇺🇸

08/17/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎

Susan Roe, Sarah Clark, Judy Dubreuil, Eileen Hiser, Terry Collins

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

08/15/2024

08/05/2024

SMART is cancelling lessons this week through Thursday. We will re-evaluate on Thursday for Friday and Saturday rides. Sending everyone out there our prayers - please stay safe and dry!

08/02/2024

We had an amazing day at the Sarasota Manatee Association Riding Therapy (SMART) as our incredible volunteers, enthusiastic riders, and our dedicated Executive Director embarked on a scenic trail ride through our stunning property. 🌳✨

Seeing the joy and connection between our riders and their horses is truly heartwarming. Our volunteers' dedication and the leadership of our Executive Director ensure that every ride is a memorable experience. 🐎❤️

Thank you to everyone who made this day possible! Together, we're making strides in our mission to provide therapeutic riding opportunities to our community. 🌟

Stay tuned for more events and join us in our journey of healing and empowerment through the power of horseback riding.

08/01/2024

🌞🐴 Summer Adventures at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) 🐴🌞

We're excited to share that our therapeutic riding center stays open all summer long! ☀️ No breaks for the heat here, just endless opportunities for growth, joy, and connection.

This week, our Executive Director even joined in on the fun, hopping on a horse for an impromptu hack around the property with our incredible riders and volunteers. 🌿🌳 It's moments like these that make our community so special.

Whether it's the therapeutic benefits of riding or the sheer joy of bonding with our amazing horses, our summer sessions are all about creating unforgettable experiences. 🐎💖

Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and riders for making every day an adventure. Here's to many more trail rides and sunny days ahead!

07/29/2024

What a great way to celebrate our successful summer camp! An extra thank you to Izabella our lead counselor and all the volunteers who helped with the kids over the 7 weeks.

From bathing to barn care to riding, Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy summer campers learn all about what it takes to care for horses.

07/20/2024

🌞🐴 Summer Fun at SMART Camp! 🐴🌞

What an incredible few weeks it’s been at the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy Summer Camp! We’ve had the pleasure of watching our fantastic campers connect with our wonderful therapy horses and create unforgettable memories.

We start every day with yoga and mindfulness to get everyone in the calm state of mind so the horses feel that. From brushing and feeding the horses, practicing their riding skills, to enjoying some quality time with these gentle giants, the smiles on the kids’ faces say it all! 😁 Here are some highlights!

We are so proud of how much each camper has learned and grown through their time here. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff for making this camp a safe, fun, and educational experience for everyone.

If you’re interested in joining us for future camps or want to learn more about our programs, please visit our website or send us a message!

07/20/2024

🌞🐴 Summer Fun at SMART Camp! 🐴🌞

What an incredible few weeks it’s been at the Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy Summer Camp! We’ve had the pleasure of watching our fantastic campers connect with our wonderful therapy horses and create unforgettable memories.

From brushing and feeding the horses, practicing their riding skills, to enjoying some quality time with these gentle giants, the smiles on the kids’ faces say it all! 😁 Here are some highlights!

We are so proud of how much each camper has learned and grown through their time here. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers and staff for making this camp a safe, fun, and educational experience for everyone.

If you’re interested in joining us for future camps or want to learn more about our programs, please visit our website or send us a message!

07/08/2024

SMART wants to congratulate all of our SMART riders that participated in this years WDAA Online International Challenge.

Reese on Salsa Baby
Therapeutic Division Reserve Champion
Grand Champion in Coached Test 2
Reserve Champion in Coached Test 1
Reserve Champion in Coached Test 3
High Score Arabian with Salsa

Skylar on Whiskey
4th Place in Coached Test 1
High Score Int'l Spotted Horse with Whiskey

Lauren on Whiskey
4th Place in Coached Test 1 Walk Only

These girls also put a team together, SMART Girls, and they won their Team Challenge with a 67.275%

We are so very proud of all of our Western Dressage Exceptional Riders and have truly enjoyed watching them grow. We can't wait for next years competition and are thankful that the Western Dressage Association of America WDAA has provided such an all inclusive program that our riders can participate in.

07/04/2024

Supporting Sarasota Manatee Association Riding Therapy (SMART) with a donation of $250 a month for a year or $500 a month for six months can profoundly impact the lives of individuals with special needs. SMART provides therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-assisted activities that enhance physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Your contribution will help cover the costs of maintaining the horses, providing specialized equipment, and supporting skilled instructors and volunteers who deliver these life-changing services. By donating, you enable children and adults to gain confidence, improve their motor skills, and experience joy and freedom through riding. Your support ensures that SMART can continue offering these transformative programs to those who need them most. Join us in making a meaningful difference—donate to SMART today and help empower individuals through the healing power of horses. Your generosity can create lasting positive change in our community.

06/27/2024

Calling all friends that are business owners or work at a company that wants to partner with our amazing organization and be listed on our website etc. We are looking to expand our reach so we can serve more veterans, first responders & community members with our healing horses. If you would like to learn how to get your logo on our website and be listed as a partner please email [email protected] or message us here!

06/06/2024

🌞🐴 Join the Summer Fun at Our Horse Camps! 🐴🌞

Looking for an unforgettable summer adventure? Our horse camps are in full swing, and we still have spots available for sign-up! Our camps offer something for everyone.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity for your child to learn, grow, and make lifelong memories. Spaces are filling up fast, so secure your spot today!

👉 Sign Up Now: https://smartriders.org/events/2017-calendar/
📞 Contact Us: 941-322-2000
📧 Email: [email protected]

See you at the stables! 🐎💫

06/04/2024

Check us out on the latest edition of Animal Outtakes ! Thank you so much for sharing our mission.

The healing power of horses is truly incredible. ❤️🐴❤️

In this show, we visit Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy to learn about what programs are available to the surrounding community. This episod...

05/21/2024

05/15/2024

One of our smallest riders with one of our biggest horses! This girl shows these horses who is boss on the regular. Mikey loved his bubble bath she gave him (with a step stool to reach the top 😇) and the walk she took him on.

05/15/2024

We are in need of an EMT, paramedic or trauma nurse to stand by for our horse show this weekend. Saturday and Sunday 8-1. Please reach out if you can come and help us out. As always - so much appreciation for our supporters.
🐴🤍🐴

05/14/2024

🐴🌞 Discover the magic of horses this summer at our Summer Camp Uplugged - open to all! 🌟 Whether you're seeking therapeutic benefits or simply love horses, our camp offers a unique blend of horse adventures and inclusive activities for everyone. There's something for everyone of all abilities and backgrounds. Join us for a summer of friendship, fun, and equine connection! 🌿🐎 Limited spots available - sign up now and embark on an unforgettable journey with us!

🏕️🌻

05/11/2024

Tack Sale was a HUGE success thank you to ALL the SMART supporters and the new Volunteers that signed up, also a BIG thanks to new donors that stopped by today. We moved alot of Tack today. Our riders, veterans, and our first responders will benefit greatly from the sale of the tack and donations. From all of us at SMART, we say thank you.

05/11/2024

Tack Sale!

Tack Shack blowout! Everything must go! Come on out! 4640 CR675, Bradenton, Forida.

Saturday May 11
9am to 2pm

New tack, slightly used tack. New clothing, English and Western. Chaps, boots, hats, gifts for mom, you name it, we have it!

If the signs are out we are still here!

05/10/2024

Come see us and shop or sell tomorrow! :)

Do you have tack and other equine supplies you want to sell? Are you shopping for boots or bridles?

Come visit and shop at our “tack shack” and vendors!

Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: 4640 CR 675, Bradenton FL 34211

If you have your own to sell or are a vendor wanting to bring a your set up and sell - reach out today. $25 donation to SMART secures your spot.

05/08/2024

Do you have tack and other equine supplies you want to sell? Are you shopping for boots or bridles?

Come visit and shop at our “tack shack” and vendors!

Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 9am-2pm
Where: 4640 CR 675, Bradenton FL 34211

If you have your own to sell or are a vendor wanting to bring a your set up and sell - reach out today. $25 donation to SMART secures your spot.

05/07/2024

You spoke and we listened - again! We have slashed our summer camp price down to $300 AND extended the hours to 5pm! What!? No excuses now parents. 😇 Let your child spend their summer having fun at SMART’s horse camp UNPLUGGED! 

Ages 8 – 14
Mon-Fri 9:00am – 5:00pm

DAILY interaction with our herd and learning with the horses.

What to bring to camp:  brown bag lunch, water (no soda or Gatorade), boots or closed toe shoes and long shorts or pants.  Be sure to wear old clothes that you will not mind getting dirty! 

Cell phones are permitted but will be held in the office from 9-4. Campers will be given the option to use their phones at lunch or for emergencies only.

Reserve your spot today!

05/03/2024

FLASH SALE! You spoke and we listened. We have slashed our summer camp price down to $300! Let your child spend their summer having fun at SMART’s horse camp UNPLUGGED! 

Ages 8 – 14
Mon-Fri 9:00am – 2:00pm

DAILY interaction with our herd and learning with the horses.

What to bring to camp:  brown bag lunch, water (no soda or Gatorade), boots or closed toe shoes and long shorts or pants.  Be sure to wear old clothes that you will not mind getting dirty! 

Cell phones are permitted but will be held in the office from 9-2. Campers will be given the option to use their phones at lunch or for emergencies only.

Reserve your spot today!

05/02/2024

🐴🌞 Discover the magic of horses this summer at our Summer Camp Uplugged - open to all! 🌟 Whether you're seeking therapeutic benefits or simply love horses, our camp offers a unique blend of horse adventures and inclusive activities for everyone. There's something for everyone of all abilities and backgrounds. Join us for a summer of friendship, fun, and equine connection! 🌿🐎 Limited spots available - sign up now and embark on an unforgettable journey with us!

🏕️🌻

Improving the quality of the lives of our SMART families through therapeutic horseback riding.

04/22/2024

Clearly hay tastes better out of the toro bed.

04/20/2024

04/19/2024

Happy Fantastic Friday! We have two spots open for recreational riding at 9 and 10am tomorrow (Saturday slots are hard to come by!). If you are an active volunteer with 10 hours logged in the last 3 months you get a discount to $65 vs the normal $75. Email [email protected] asap to book it.

04/19/2024

🌟 Calling All Compassionate Hearts! 🌟

https://donate.flanzertrust.org/donations/sarasota-manatee-association-for-riding-therapy/

We, at Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART), are reaching out to our generous community with a heartfelt request for support. Our beloved horses, who are not just animals but crucial partners in the transformative journeys of veterans and individuals with special needs, need your help.

In an incredible act of generosity, the Flanzer Trust has pledged to DOUBLE every donation made, meaning your impact will go twice as far in providing care, love, and the necessary services these amazing horses offer. This is a golden opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of many, through the healing power of equine therapy.

Your contribution will directly support:
- Quality feed and care for our horses
- Maintenance of our facilities to ensure a safe, welcoming environment
- Continued, specialized training for our horses so they can best serve their riders
-Continued training for our instructors and expansion of our team with additional instructors

Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal of nurturing the bond between horse and rider, fostering growth, healing, and joy for those who have served our country and those with special needs.

Here’s how you can contribute:

1. Visit the Flanzer Trust donation page.

https://donate.flanzertrust.org/donations/sarasota-manatee-association-for-riding-therapy/

2. Select "Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy" as the recipient of your generosity.

3. Make your donation knowing it will be doubled and make twice the impact.

Together, we can ensure that our heroes and champions continue to receive the support, love, and therapy they deserve. Let’s rally as a community and show our veterans and friends with special needs that they are not alone in their journey.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support. Every donation brings a smile, a leap of joy, and a step toward healing. Let's make a difference today!

With heartfelt gratitude,
Your friends at the Sarasota-Manatee Association for Riding Therapy 🐴❤️

https://donate.flanzertrust.org/donations/sarasota-manatee-association-for-riding-therapy/