Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc.

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
- Winston Churchill

THANK YOU REHOBOTH ROTARY!

SDTRHR recently received $2,000 from the Rehoboth Sunrise Rotary for rider scholarships.

Physical

Improved balance, muscle strength & coordination.
Faster reflexes & better motor planning.
Increased range of motion of the joints.
Improved respiration & circulation.
Stretching of tight or spastic muscles.
Increased tone of flacid/hypertonic muscles.

Psychological

General sense of well-being. Exercise in the fresh air on a farm away from a medical environment.
Improved self-confidence, independence & freedom of movement without walkers & wheelchairs.
Increased self-esteem & sense of responsibility by gaining skills required to control an animal much larger and stronger than oneself.
Improved risk-taking abilities & problem-solving concepts.
Development of patience, cooperation & communication skills.
Increased emotional control & self-discipline.

WHAT'S NEW

Beach Ride & Walk 2012!

A big thank you to all the riders and walkers who came out on Saturday March 31 to support SDTRHR! The weather cooperated and everyone enjoyed the beach and trails, followed by lunch, prizes and a raffle, and live entertainment by Parental Guidance. We couldn't have done it without the help of all the participants and volunteers who pitched in. We are also grateful to our local sponsors -- PNC, Hyett Refrigeration, Safran, Admiral Hotel, Savannah Animal Hospital, and Delmarva Equine Clinic -- and to those who donated raffle items.

We also appreciate the work of Fortier Photography for photographing the participants! You can view the pictures here and order prints. All proceeds go to SDTRHR! The username is "SDTRHR" and the password is 14994.

Welcome to Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc. (SDTRHR). Our mission is to provide equine-assisted therapy promoting the physical, emotional and educational growth of children and adults with special needs in our community. We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit, PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) affiliated center located in Eastern Sussex County. Presently, we are the only PATH-affiliated center in Sussex and Kent Counties.

Our PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructors and trained volunteers have provided planned sessions in equine-assisted therapy to children and adults with special needs since 1988.

Why therapy with horses?
Horseback riding is a progressive form of therapy for individuals with physical and emotional challenges. The gait of the horse is the closest replicating movement to human gait and can be more effective than traditional, clinic-based forms of therapy. The horse's motion helps improve muscular strength, coordination and balance of the rider.

Equine-assisted therapy also provides psychosocial benefits through equine and human interaction that occurs. The horses, instructors and volunteers create a caring environment that enables participants to gain valuable communication and coping skills.

Conditions served include:

Cerebral Palsy
ADD/Hyperactivity
Autism
Head Trauma
Learning Disabilities
Mental Retardation Muscular Dystrophy
Multiple Sclerosis
Speech/Visually/Hearing Impaired
Spina Bifida
Emotional/Behavioral
Youth at Risk

How can I get involved?
Whatever your talent or interest, it can be put to great use at SDTRHR! You may volunteer as a program participant, donate a horse or equipment or make a difference with a tax-deductible contribution. Whatever you are able to provide, SDTRHR appreciates your assistance! You will find volunteer applications on our Forms page. You can also make a contribution online by clicking the PayPal "Donate" button at the bottom of any page.