Causes: Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Equestrian, Human Services, Special Olympics, Sports

Mission: At SMART, we empower lives through the healing power of horses. Through therapeutic horse-related programs and activities, our SMART riders and their families' quality of life is significantly improved.

Results: The impact that SMART has on the community is threefold: 1.The therapeutic services we provide at SMART are important, meaningful and effective. In this safe and nurturing environment, the movement of the horse and the connection to the horse are used to heal the body, mind and spirit of every SMART Rider. . . and we get results. We have fine-tuned our method of evaluating the progress of our participants and success of our program by transitioning to the “Results First” method of tracking outcomes. This new focus ensures that each participant meets individualized, result-based goals set by the instructors and derived from within one of the four main areas: social, behavioral, physical, and speech/language improvements that increase basic living skills and lead to a high level of thriving. 2.At SMART, a beautiful and comfortable place for a weekly hour of respite is provided to family members during lessons. Knowing that their loved one is safe and receiving competent care, knowledgeable instruction and nurturing attention, the parent or caregiver is free to relax and rest, network with other parents, or spend some quality time with their other children. 3.The positive effects of our program are also experienced by dozens of young people who become SMART Volunteers. These teenagers and college students are the future leaders of our community. At SMART they find a safe and engaging place to grow and become responsible, caring, empathetic, accepting, aware and contributing members of our community. It is because of ALL of these positive effects, impacting many lives, that it is more important than ever that SMART continues to receive the community support and funding needed to carry on its' mission.

Target demographics: Children and adults with challenges and disabilities.

Direct beneficiaries per year: 643 children and adults.

Geographic areas served: Manatee and Sarasota Counties in Florida

Programs: Therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving and equine assisted activities. Through respectful partnerships with our horses, we create an environment that promotes a life of inclusion, respect, growth and independence.