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What We Do

Testimonials

Here are just a few stories about how people see SPIRIT program:

Our daughter, Nicole, was born with low muscle tone. We were looking for ways for her to strengthen
her core muscles. The first program we looked at was waitlisted----- what a blessing that turned out to
be...

Caroline's world was so tiny when she started therapeutic riding at Spirit, and she had no desire to explore more; everything seemed so big and scary. Her first horse, Cocoa Bean, wasn't that much bigger than she was...

The part of the lesson I look forward to the most is trotting as well as trail rides. The
program has made my muscles stronger. More importantly, it’s helped with my confidence,
making me realize I can do anything. SPIRIT means so more to me than anyone will ever know...

I feel honored to be part of anything that informs people of the impact of Spirit, and therapeutic riding on the lives of people – not just the riders but the families as well. There is nothing like…

As a mother of a child with motor delays, I can’t say enough about the wonderful SPIRIT Equestrian program…

Our Tommy started his life as a miracle, nearly dying before he was born. He learned to laugh and smile to himself, keeping the rest of the world separate. He couldn’t crawl, so he just rolled himself around the room…

First, we would like to give heart-felt thanks to you and all the wonderful volunteers at the Spirit Open Equestrian Program. You all have made a profound impact in the lives of so many kids with special needs…

SPIRIT is more than just a program, it has become a way of life. SPIRIT has shown this community the kind of effect that animals can have on people——whether they have special needs or just need to feel special…

The Spirit Open Equestrian program has already made a significant difference in the attitude and behavior of our 10 year old grandson. He has moderately severe autism, has very limited verbal…

I am the mother of 2 special needs boys, Nicholas and Luciano–ages 7 & 8–who have been privileged to attend the equine therapy program at Frying Pan Park. My sons were born with a genetic…

We joined the Spirit program in the fall of 2014. We thought it might be a good option for our 10yr old (now 11yrs) daughter to help her with anxiety, confidence and focus. This program has exceeded…

Our 19 year old son has been participating consistently as a therapeutic rider for several years in the Spirit Open Equestrian Program and we feel extremely fortunate for this opportunity. Therapeutic riding…

Ms. Suvak is a kind, generous woman who teaches her students from her heart. No matter how many years she has spent in this venue she continues to remain the warm, sincere woman who teaches…

Anxiety, depression, Tourette’s Syndrome and Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS)…our 13 year old son, who’s adjustment to middle school was a challenging one with each of these…

My daughter, Ginny, has been with SPIRIT’s team nearly a year. She has Prader-Willi Syndrome, a genetic syndrome that affects appetite, growth, metabolism, cognitive functioning and behavior. In just a few short weeks…

My daughter Lia is 11 years old and has been challenged since infancy with eyesight problems, struggles with fine/gross motor skills and sensory perception. She has distinct muscle weakness…

We have an almost four years daughter that is very seriously ill with extensive neurological and physical problems. We knew “Dada” as she call her almost one year ago. We never knew how much our daughter…

Our daughter Peyton’s experience riding in the SPIRIT Therapeutic Riding Program has been absolutely phenomenal due in large part to the person who championed the program…

Therapeutic horseback riding with the SPIRIT Team has been one of the greatest things to happen to our post-renal transplant, six-year-old son. There are not enough superlatives to adequately…

I love riding with Dada, Kate and everyone at SPIRIT. But before I even get on the horse, I see why SPIRIT is needed in this community. A little girl rides before me. I know she has many medical problems, but when…

Just wanted to let you know how important you are in Ryan’s life and coming to ride and see you is the highlight of his week. Thank you so very much for having high expectations and pushing him to do…

Davorka Suvak’s SPIRIT program has been a tremendous help to my daughter. She sits straighter, stands stronger, and loves every minute of therapeutic riding. Just as important, she has learned to be…

Our impact this year has changed our community!

  • 2023 Program Participants

    431

  • 2023 Volunteer Hours

    3,468

  • 2023 Program Hours

    2,558

  • 2023 Volunteers

    293

Thank you to our generous sponsors.

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