Special Equestrians, Inc

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United States
Fort Myers, FL
Special Equestrians, Inc

Special Equestrians, Inc. is a nonprofit therapeutic riding organization, located in Fort Myers, FL.
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10/31/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. enjoyed our Not So Scary Halloween Fun this week! Tricks and treats, pumpkin toss, witches brew, a haunted walk, eyeball hunt, and horsey apple bobbing made for a fabooolous time! We wish you and your family a very Happy Halloween!

10/28/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. appreciates our partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University . As a community partner for Make a Difference Day (MADD), a group of students gave our Sensory Trail a post-hurricane makeover. This group outdid themselves! Our staff and volunteers were delighted to see such a difference in the space. Our sensory trail was initially designed with a group of FGCU students and SE volunteers and is now maintained annually on MADD. The trail, completed on horseback, includes various stations and obstacles designed with developmental theories and tasks in mind. It truly is a sensory experience that challenges both horse and rider!

10/23/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is delighted to share that we received the T-Mobile Foundation Hometown Grant! As part of the grant process, three team members offered to work on the farm cleaning up hurricane debris as a team-building activity before enjoying a nice lunch at Buckingham Farms. Thank you to Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Velez, Caretaker Meredith Tacy, the T-Mobile team Rafael Irizarry, Jess Sharp, and Arturo Bardales for organizing and participating in this workday. Making Miracles Happen!

10/19/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is celebrating a wonderful week of classes. Anyone who has ever been part of a team, or social group or has shared in a love for sport or animals or any kindred spirit endeavor knows how simple recreational spaces offer opportunities for self-reflection, personal development, and a chance to share your gifts and talents with others. At Special Equestrians, riding horses, practicing good horsemanship skills, and having fun open the gateways to miracles. Less truly is more. Simplicity creates powerful outcomes. Let's celebrate the spaces designed to generate kindness, advocacy, and joy!

10/17/2024

Calling all Veterans! Now accepting applications for the 2024-25 year! Visit our website: https://specialequestrians.net/programs-services/veterans/ or scan the QR code below to access the application. Please share!

10/13/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is delighted to announce we will resume normal operations on Monday, October 14th. We look forward to Monday Morning Horse Handlers at 8:00 am and the Veterans’ Program Volunteer Training at 10:30 am. We are beyond excited to see our participants and horses reunited for a week full of miracles. Volunteers, please use Better Impact to sign up for “opportunities.” Thank you in advance! We understand that some SE community members may be without power or are recovering from storm damage. Please reach out if we can help you and your family in any way. We can’t wait to see you!

10/11/2024

Sometimes, a picture says it all! A few puddles to remind us of what we endured. A refreshing water trough urges us to rest and reset. The structure symbolizes our abundance. The lights guide us back to our routines while beautiful skies replace the storm. After a long, dry nap today, the herd is again grazing in the pasture. The ebb and flow of life continues.

10/10/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is so grateful! ☺️ All horses and cats are fine!! Property looks great at first glance. We are assessing hazards and working slowly to avoid injury that is often sustained in times of worry or fatigue. Although, our community is eager to lend a helping hand we are not opening the farm today. We will let you know in the coming days what is needed and feel so blessed that many are willing to assist. We are praying for our community especially those greatly impacted by this destructive and powerful storm. Get some rest! We’ll see you in the coming days.

10/09/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. caretaker Meredith and I have been in touch. She is not new to horses but new to hurricanes. She has shown great strength and I'm really proud of all she's done to keep our emergency plans in place. She shares, "We are officially in for the storm. Shutters are all fully locked, the truck is in the carriage barn. I gave Canvas 2 full hay nets and he has 2 full water buckets plus 3 fresh bags of shavings. At last check all the horses are quietly huddled under whatever shelter they could find. We had no issues at all with them and they all have both their tags plus their halters. We said a prayer over them and will continue to do so as this thing moves through ♥️ Stay safe!" Thank you to all who worked so hard leading up to the storm and to our amazing caretaker!!! Stay safe! 🥰 We got this, together!!

10/07/2024

Special Equestrian, Inc. is a United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades partner agency. Our network of human services organizations are here for you and your family. Read more about the 211 service!
Lee, Hendry, Glades 211 Help Starts Here
EVERY HOUR OF EVERY DAY, SOMEONE IN OUR COMMUNITY IS SEARCHING FOR HELP OR SERVICES – housing, food, financial assistance, relief from abuse, family issues, depression, childcare, etc., but navigating the maze of city, state and non-profit agencies can be overwhelming and confusing.

United Way 211 is the community’s central point of entry into the health and human services system. Dialing 211 is a way for people who need help to get connected with the community service providers that can help them. Calls to 211 Helpline are free, confidential, and 24/7 (unitedwaylee.org).
https://unitedwaylee.org/united-way-211/

211 is a United Way program that provides free information and referral to human/social service agencies within Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties. Clients can call and receive information and referrals appropriate to their needs.

10/07/2024

Classes are canceled this week due to Hurricane Milton. Classes will resume on Tuesday, October 15th. Our thoughts and prayers are with our community as Hurricane Milton approaches. The SE herd will weather the storm in pasture. Thank you to our team for executing our Hurricane Preparedness Plan to reduce risk to our equine partners, facility, and staff. May everyone stay safe and sound!

10/03/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc., thanks the Knights of Columbus St. John XXIII Council 13624 for their charitable donation! The Knights raise funds and organize events to support their church and community. They hosted a beautiful golf tournament at The Club at Renaissance, benefiting non-profits, including SE, in our community. It was a lovely event, and we are grateful for their support!

10/03/2024

We enjoyed this special day with our friends at Home Base! We are accepting applications for our veterans program at this time. Click the following linkhttps://specialequestrians.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Veteran-Application-complete-2022.pdf to apply. You can also access what you need on our website specialequestrians.net. Please share with a veteran today!

09/28/2024

The final countdown is on‼️ 🍩🕛 Just 48 hours left to get your dozens in support of Special Equestrians, Inc.. With 50% of your order donated back, there is no better reason to treat yourself today 😄 Don't leave your morning coffee hanging, get your freshly glazed doughnuts here: https://grouprai.se/krispykreme5T7KRJsa

Help Special Equestrians, Inc. fundraise by ordering delicious Krispy Kreme Digital Dozens today! Enjoy mouth-watering dozens & share to support their Krispy Kreme Fundraiser!

09/27/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is pleased to report that our herd and facility have weathered the storm in Helene's path with minimal impact. Our horses are now resting in their dry stalls, safe and sound. Our stable team worked hard and implemented our plans and continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our herd! As we continue to support those significantly impacted by this storm, we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers. We look forward to seeing our riders tomorrow for classes!

09/25/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc.'s thoughts and prayers are with our community as Hurricane Helene approaches. The SE herd will weather the storm in pasture. Thank you to our team for executing our Hurricane Preparedness Plan to reduce risk to our equine partners. May everyone stay safe and sound!

09/24/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. was delighted to host an in-house outreach for potential participants for Horses and Humans in Harmony, a veterans’ program with our Pony Pals outreach team and our friends from Home Base. Our veterans program begins in November and runs through April. Six six-week sessions host six veterans once per week on Monday mornings from 10:30 am to noon. The program leaders teach unmounted horsemanship skills using a ground-based program promoting a partnership between the veteran and their horse. The horsemanship skills are taught in a supportive and nurturing environment, ensuring that every veteran feels comfortable and reassured. Learn more about Home Base: https://homebase.org/programs/florida/ Learn more about the SE Veterans' program! https://specialequestrians.net/programs-services/veterans/ Thank you Pony Pals, Home Base and most importantly THANK YOU VETERANS for your service and interest in our program!

09/21/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. has a feeling of FALL coming on. It’s been looking almost like an October sky this week!

09/19/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. is delighted to appear in the premiere issue of the Florida Equestrian Directory. We are so excited for this team as they create a directory resource and a beautiful magazine for the Florida equestrian community! Welcome to The Sunshine State!

09/18/2024

Celebrating our relationships! What a blessing from a longtime supporter! Darleen has participated in our Ride-A-Thon at Babcock Ranch Preserve for the past 15 years. We hope to see you this year for the 34th on February 15th, Darlene. We loved the article in The New Press too! Thank you. 🙏🏼

We recently gave employees a $500 stipend to donate to a local, community causes of their choice. Based on her long time love of horses team member Darlene Ottervanger selected Special Equestrians, Inc, a therapeutic riding center offering equine-assisted activities & therapies for kids & adults with disabilities.https://ow.ly/VNRV50ThzwT

09/17/2024

Special Equestrians Inc. understands that the true measure of an entity's success lies in its ability to inspire and support the next generation of professionals who will serve its mission. Professional development and fostering an environment of lifelong learning are central to creating longevity and progress within an organization. With great pride, we announce that the Judy Cifolelli Memorial Fund's annual donation will secure scholarships for individuals pursuing certifications that directly uphold our mission. This achievement is a testament to the crucial role our community plays in our success. Upon hearing about the opportunity to secure scholarships, Rudy Cifolelli offered additional funding to support various services, including those we provide to veterans in honor of his father Sergeant Candido A. Cifolleli. An honorary plaque will be displayed in our arena in appreciation of this year's contribution by the Judy Cifolelli Memorial Fund. Melissa Velez and Lisa Coy attended the PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) certification workshop hosted by Naples Therapeutic Riding Center this past weekend. Training and mentorship opportunities within our organization and formal certification opportunities with our partner organizations will help us expand our services and uphold the programs we already have in place. Continued Education is possible because of our vision, the community support we receive, and donors who honor our work and the outcomes it fosters. Our future is bright! Go, Melissa and Lisa! Making Miracles Happen!

09/16/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc., is deeply committed to our community, constantly informing them about our services! Volunteer Coordinator Melissa Velez recently attended the FGCU Service Learning Day. We love our Eagles! Together with Outreach Coordinator Jan Fifer, she also participated in the First Annual Agency Share at Buckingham Exceptional Student Center. We are proud of our strong community presence and the recognition we receive for the extraordinary work we do, and we deeply value the support and appreciation of our community!

09/14/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. couldn't Make Miracles Happen without our dedicated volunteers. Volunteers give their time, talent, and treasure to our organization EVERY SINGLE DAY! Are you part of a church group, need volunteer hours for your degree program, are interested in a corporate workday, or are you the person in your friend group who inspires everyone to give back? Come join our team of dynamic volunteers and become part of the SE Community! Complete an application online at specialequestrians.net or contact Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa Velez at [email protected]. Join the fun! Making Miracles Happen! Specialequestrians.net

09/12/2024

Special Equestrians, Inc. was delighted to support our friends at Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center as they held a recital to celebrate National Ballroom Dancing Week. Miraculous moments unfold effortlessly in these seemingly simple spaces of recreation, where everyone is welcomed and included! We witnessed our riders showcase a whole new set of skills and talents as they danced, danced, danced! We thank Carol Davis, President of USA Dance Inc #6124, for inviting us to this special occasion. She is thrilled to announce they will now be holding public classes! For more information, visit Pops - Cape Coral
Special Pops: https://www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhome/freida_b_smith_special_populations_center/index.php

09/11/2024

Thursday, September 12th, Special Equestrians, Inc. has the chance to win up to $1,000 in bonus donations for our cause!
The top 10 groups with the most Digital Dozens sold will get additional donations! Buy a Digital Dozen and pick them up next time you drive by Krispy Kreme! https://www.groupraise.com/oc/42664
Address: 4904 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Phone: (239) 931-9926

Address

5121 Staley Road
Fort Myers, FL
33905

Website

http://www.specialequestrians.net/

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Videos

Stormy...A mare who knows what she likes!

Special Equestrians Inc. sponsor, Equine Health Solutions, is busy creating a horse muffin treat packed with flavonoids and amino acids for our athletic partners. It’s “Well done!” with a health kick! Not only are we testing flavor with our herd at SE but our fabulous friends are part of the fun as Brian and his team concoct the perfect recipe. I think they have it just about right. The ears say it all, Jasper!

Special Equestrians, Inc. takes pause this week to celebrate our volunteers! Volunteers pump life into the work we do at SE. A diverse group from all walks of life, our volunteers possess unique talents and gifts, different skill sets, and points of view that create strength and solidarity. It's miraculous how our volunteers come together in this shared space, often bound by a horse or disability thread, to Make Miracles Happen. Their dedication goes beyond assisting in our therapeutic riding classes. It transcends the day-to-day tasks and duties they complete. Our volunteers' work communicates who they are and what they strive to be. They are selfless, dedicated, thoughtful, kind, giving individuals who believe in something greater than themselves. They do what it takes to make a marked difference in our community and the world. They celebrate the abilities of others who are often seen only through a lens of incapability. They elevate others above themselves, proving what is at the core of a SE volunteer. Pure GOLD! Volunteers, this week we celebrate YOU!!! We hope you enjoy a few giveaways, treats, and small tokens of appreciation as we attempt to say thanks for all you do!! 🙏🏼A little hint, but you'll have to wait to see your gift! 🤔

It all started with Canvas being a little unsure about Jarrett’s Power Chair. Jarrett and his instructor, Cindy, decided it was necessary to desensitize this new boy and what a wonderful outcome they have had. Canvas and Jarrett are officially friends and Canvas thinks his chair is pretty cool!!