Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy
FAQ's
1. What does SMART stand for and what does it do?
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. SMART provides individuals with special needs of all kinds an opportunity to exercise their bodies, minds and spirits through a quality therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving program.
2. What’s so therapeutic about riding a horse?
The benefits of riding a horse include the physical aspects of increased body awareness, improvement in balance and posture, stretching and releasing of hypertonic muscles as well as strengthening hypotonic muscles, increasing flexibility and improving coordination. Cognitively, riders are challenged to concentrate more fully and for longer periods of time, remember specific task sequencing, communicate verbally or physically with their horse and instructor, practice self discipline and control, and work through frustrations in a positive and non-aggressive manner. Emotionally, working with horses provides a pathway for the student to receive and give unconditional love. This results in a connection with another living being that leads to an increase in self confidence and self respect, as well as true sense of accomplishment.
3. How many horses do you have?
14 horses of all breeds---most of which have been donated to the program and all of whom are gentle, sweet and well trained for their job.
4. How many riders do you serve?
We serve over 100 participants and their families each year.
5. How long has SMART been in business?
SMART has been incorporated and designated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since March 2, 1987.
6. When are lessons given?
Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy. SMART provides individuals with special needs of all kinds an opportunity to exercise their bodies, minds and spirits through a quality therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving program.
2. What’s so therapeutic about riding a horse?
The benefits of riding a horse include the physical aspects of increased body awareness, improvement in balance and posture, stretching and releasing of hypertonic muscles as well as strengthening hypotonic muscles, increasing flexibility and improving coordination. Cognitively, riders are challenged to concentrate more fully and for longer periods of time, remember specific task sequencing, communicate verbally or physically with their horse and instructor, practice self discipline and control, and work through frustrations in a positive and non-aggressive manner. Emotionally, working with horses provides a pathway for the student to receive and give unconditional love. This results in a connection with another living being that leads to an increase in self confidence and self respect, as well as true sense of accomplishment.
3. How many horses do you have?
14 horses of all breeds---most of which have been donated to the program and all of whom are gentle, sweet and well trained for their job.
4. How many riders do you serve?
We serve over 100 participants and their families each year.
5. How long has SMART been in business?
SMART has been incorporated and designated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since March 2, 1987.
6. When are lessons given?
Lessons are given on: 7. I have a child with a disability who qualifies for the program, and another child who is not disabled. Could both of my children take lessons at SMART? |
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However, there are several riding stables in the area, which may serve your other child’s needs.
8. Where are you located?
We are located in East Bradenton at 4800 County Road 675 between State Road 70 and State Road 64. We are next door to Hunsader Farms and are actually on property that is generously leased to us by the Hunsader Family.
9. How much do you charge for lessons and how long are the lessons?
We charge $20 per hour lesson. However, SMART never turns anyone away due to an inability to pay. We have a tuition assistance application that can be submitted and we use a sliding scale fee to determine payment ranging from $0 - $20. Scholarships are also available for all those who need them.
10. What types of disabilities qualify?
We serve individuals who have any type of physical, emotional or cognitive disability. We currently serve riders with Attention Deficit Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke victims, Epilepsy, Developmental Delays, Head Trauma victims, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Hearing and Speech Impairments, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Blindness, Autism, and Psychological / Emotional Challenges.
11. Are there age restrictions?
Individuals must be at least 5 years of age and there is no maximum age.
12. Are there weight restrictions?
Due to safety reasons, our Riding Program can only serve individuals who weigh less than 180 lbs. However, we also have a Carriage Driving Program, which allows individuals who weigh more than 180 lbs. (or are wheelchair bound) to safely participate in this equine activity.
13. How many volunteers to do you have?
On average, we have between 20 – 35 volunteers at any given time. We have a minimum volunteer age of 14. SMART is a mostly volunteer organization---so volunteers play a very, very important role in the effectiveness of the program. We are always eager to invite new volunteers to join us and become a part of the SMART Team.
14. If I want to volunteer, do I have to get trained?
Yes, we have a 1 ½ hour training program which is given on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00. A one-on-one training can also be arranged by appointment. We need volunteers for hands-on horse and rider support as well as volunteers to assist with fundraising and administrative work.
15. Where do you get your funds?
We receive funding from individual and community contributions (40%), Special Events (17%), Foundations & Grants (14%), and Program Service Fees (8%). We are also a Partner Agency of The United Way of Manatee County (13%) and we receive funding from Manatee County Government (8%). Our annual budget is around $150,000.
16. What percentage of your budget is for administrative costs?
Our administrative costs are less than 8% of our budget.
17. Do you have a website?
Yes! It is: www.smartriders.org
18. Do you have any sponsorship programs?
Yes. You can sponsor a rider for one year for $800 which helps to pay for some of the costs of their lessons. You can also “Adopt a Horse” for $250, $500, or $1000 which helps to pay for some of the feed, vet and farrier costs for one horse for a year.
8. Where are you located?
We are located in East Bradenton at 4800 County Road 675 between State Road 70 and State Road 64. We are next door to Hunsader Farms and are actually on property that is generously leased to us by the Hunsader Family.
9. How much do you charge for lessons and how long are the lessons?
We charge $20 per hour lesson. However, SMART never turns anyone away due to an inability to pay. We have a tuition assistance application that can be submitted and we use a sliding scale fee to determine payment ranging from $0 - $20. Scholarships are also available for all those who need them.
10. What types of disabilities qualify?
We serve individuals who have any type of physical, emotional or cognitive disability. We currently serve riders with Attention Deficit Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Stroke victims, Epilepsy, Developmental Delays, Head Trauma victims, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Hearing and Speech Impairments, Down Syndrome, Muscular Dystrophy, Blindness, Autism, and Psychological / Emotional Challenges.
11. Are there age restrictions?
Individuals must be at least 5 years of age and there is no maximum age.
12. Are there weight restrictions?
Due to safety reasons, our Riding Program can only serve individuals who weigh less than 180 lbs. However, we also have a Carriage Driving Program, which allows individuals who weigh more than 180 lbs. (or are wheelchair bound) to safely participate in this equine activity.
13. How many volunteers to do you have?
On average, we have between 20 – 35 volunteers at any given time. We have a minimum volunteer age of 14. SMART is a mostly volunteer organization---so volunteers play a very, very important role in the effectiveness of the program. We are always eager to invite new volunteers to join us and become a part of the SMART Team.
14. If I want to volunteer, do I have to get trained?
Yes, we have a 1 ½ hour training program which is given on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00. A one-on-one training can also be arranged by appointment. We need volunteers for hands-on horse and rider support as well as volunteers to assist with fundraising and administrative work.
15. Where do you get your funds?
We receive funding from individual and community contributions (40%), Special Events (17%), Foundations & Grants (14%), and Program Service Fees (8%). We are also a Partner Agency of The United Way of Manatee County (13%) and we receive funding from Manatee County Government (8%). Our annual budget is around $150,000.
16. What percentage of your budget is for administrative costs?
Our administrative costs are less than 8% of our budget.
17. Do you have a website?
Yes! It is: www.smartriders.org
18. Do you have any sponsorship programs?
Yes. You can sponsor a rider for one year for $800 which helps to pay for some of the costs of their lessons. You can also “Adopt a Horse” for $250, $500, or $1000 which helps to pay for some of the feed, vet and farrier costs for one horse for a year.
| 19. Can I visit the program? YES! Plan to visit anytime during our scheduled lessons (see #6 above)… or give us a call at 746-1493 to set up an appointment for a tour. 20. How can I help SMART? Become a Volunteer or help support SMART financially. Call the SMART line for more info: 746-1493 OR Visit our website at: www.smartriders.org Mailing Address: 4800 CR 675 Bradenton, FL 34211 |
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