SIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers

SIRE: On Stage!

sire_htec — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 23:11:50 +0000

A theatrical presentation of therapeutic horseback riding skills
by SIRE riders with disabilities.

Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM
at The Hobby Center, Sarofim Stage
800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002.

Therapeutic riding demonstrations will begin at the top of each hour, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 PM and will last for approximately 15 – 20 minutes for each session. HPD Mounted Patrol partners will also demonstrate the unique skills that horses bring to law enforcement situations. Tickets are free, although an RSVP is required for the event. We will be serving complimentary appetizers, cocktails and soft drinks.

To RSVP, call Susan or JoAnn at 281-356-7588.

SIRE is promoting awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, as well as encouraging sustainable funding for this program that is supported 75% by community donations. Most demonstrations are given at SIRE’s remote rural sites; the Hobby Center enables SIRE to bring program demonstrations to “Inner-Loopers” who might not traditionally attend a horseback riding event in the country.

SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding programthat improves the quality of life for people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. SIRE has been active in the Houston area for the past 28 years and currently serves over 160 clients per week (with the help of 300 volunteers per week!) at sites in Hockley, Spring and Ft. Bend County. SIRE is the only premier accredited center in the Houston area with PATH International, formerly NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). For more information about SIRE, call 281-356-7588, email at SIREoffice [at] SIRE-htec [dot] org or visit www.sire-htec.org.

The mission of the Houston Police Foundation is to foster visible and direct community support for the Houston Police Department by strengthening pride in and connection to the Department’s mission of excellence. For more information visit HoustonPoliceFoundation.org.

2012 Top Hands Information for Riders and Volunteers

sire_htec — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:52:06 +0000

Reliant Arena Location and Directions

From 610 west, take Fannin exit, U-Turn and stay on feeder, then take the first entrance (5) on right after between Fannin and Kirby. See also http://reliantpark.com/directions-parking. NO PARKING PASSES ARE REQUIRED, PARKING IS FREE.

2012 Schedule

Clients, please plan to arrive at the time indicated by your rider letter or instructor. Volunteers are welcome any time during show hours. You will also be provided an individual schedule. Please keep in mind it’s a long day & clients especially need to bring stuff to do. Snack, drinks, and meals are provided, but may not be accessible at all times so plan according to your own needs. No clients or underage volunteers can be left in the care of SIRE volunteers or staff members.

Please be aware of how the schedule is running and where you are in the schedule. We don’t know exact times. Clients and arena volunteers, be ready to go before your class is called. The Ring Steward will not hold a class for late riders.

Friday, February 17
10:00 a.m. (approx.) unloading, volunteer check-in,
12:00 volunteer check-in continues, begin rider check-in
2:00 p.m. show starts, Showmanship (approx. 4 hours) and English Equitation (approx. 3 hours)
Saturday, February 18
6:30 a.m. volunteer registration, horse warm-up
8:00 a.m show starts. Barrels (approx. 2 hours) and and Trail (approx. 7 hours)
Sunday, February 19
6:30 a.m. volunteer registration, horse warm-up
8:00 a.m. show starts, Western Equitation – about 4 hours, Awards ceremony (no lunch served on Sunday)
mid-afternoon unloading and unpacking at each SIRE location.
Volunteers, if you are unable to attend, call ASAP. Remember, our riders are counting on you!

Attire for Clients

ENGLISH ATTIRE:

Tan/Gray Breeches/Jodhpurs or Khaki Slacks, belt,
Dark navy/black Hunt coat/jacket,
Tall English Boots/ short Paddock Boots (unless braces prohibit),
Show Shirt: (Ladies) light colored hunt shirt with choker, (Gentlemen) white dress shirt with solid Navy/Black tie.

WESTERN ATTIRE:

(Ladies) white tuxedo shirt * (*find at craft store) or Western Type Show Shirt
(Gentlemen) white long sleeve collared shirt or Western Type Shirt,
Blue/Black Jeans & a belt
Boots with Heel (unless braces prohibit)
Blue SIRE vests will be available to wear at show (will be kept in dressing room at horse show).
Dressy Western Show attire may be worn for those who have Western Show Clothes.

**Some show clothes are available to borrow from SIRE. Please check with your Instructor **

Attire for Volunteers

Please wear SIRE T-shirt and clean, neat, dark jeans. If necessary for warmth, please wear the T-shirt over a white shirt. Friday’s T-shirt will be the 2011 Ride-a-thon shirt, limited sizes available at SIRE or at the show (no charge). Saturday and Sunday’s shirt will be a new 2012 Top Hands shirt and will be available at each site and at Reliant Arena. Thanks to Apache Corporation for sponsoring these shirts.

Events and Club Awards

Patterns and tips for events will be available online and at the show. In addition, the Top Club and Reserve Top Club awards will be presented to the club displaying the best examples of each of the following:

Good Sportsmanship – exhibiting support for other clubs and riders
Club Presentation – cleanliness of stall area, identification of club areas
Enthusiasm – support for other members of your team, overall safety
Preparedness – riders on time for event
Team spirit – stall decorations and attire (matching shirts)

Trail and Showmanship Patterns

Download a copy of this year’s pattern here.

Keep these in mind at all times! Remember, we’re here for the riders. Have Fun and Smile!!!

Top Hands 2012 Stall Assignments

sire_htec — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:21:17 +0000

Top Hands 2012 Schedule of Classes

sire_htec — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:16:23 +0000

Top Hands 2012 Trail Patterns

sire_htec — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:14:45 +0000

Top Hands 2012 Schedule of Events

sire_htec — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:12:30 +0000

Top Hands 2012 General Information

sire_htec — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:10:48 +0000

A “Behind the Scenes” Barn Tour

sire_htec — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:00:56 +0000

You Are Invited To A “Behind the Scenes” Barn Tour at the Top Hands Competition

2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo | Reliant Arena, 8334 Fannin, Houston, Texas 77054
Friday, February 17th and Saturday, February 18th, 2012 ~ 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM

RSVP with JoAnn Trepl at 281-356-7588 by Thursday, February 16, 2012

DOWNLOADS/LINKS: stall assignments | general info | schedule of events | trail patterns | schedule of classes

The Top Hands Horse Show offers physically challenged riders of all ages the opportunity to compete in a variety of six events, including showmanship at halter, English equitation, Western equitation, trail, pole bending and barrel racing. The show is divided into divisions based on assistance needed.

Therapeutic riding is a fun way to strengthen muscles and improve balance. It also can improve concentration and build confidence while providing new freedom for the riders. Often, riding is the only activity where these riders are able to be mobile and in control of themselves and their surroundings.

These “Top Hands” personify strength and perseverance in a way that embodies the passion and excitement and excellence of the rider and the horse. Coaches, volunteers, family members and spectators realize they have witnessed an extraordinary event that can change the lives of everyone involved. The courage exhibited by superior riders who continually break barriers not only in the arena, but also in their lives, drives this unique experience.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Special Children’s Committee works with established riding clubs. Participants are entered through these riding clubs.

Please join us for an exciting outing at the Top Hands Horse Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, presented by the HLSR Special Children’s Committee.

SIRE: On Stage

sire_htec — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:15:06 +0000

WHAT:	SIRE: On Stage! A theatrical presentation of therapeutic horseback riding skills by SIRE riders with disabilities. Therapeutic riding demonstrations will begin at the top of each hour, 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 PM and will last for approximately 15 – 20 minutes for each session. HPD Mounted Patrol partners will also demonstrate the unique skills that horses bring to law enforcement situations.
WHEN:	Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 5:00 to 7:30 PM
WHERE:	The Hobby Center, Sarofim Stage – 800 Bagby, Houston, TX 77002
WHY:	Promoting awareness of the benefits of therapeutic horseback riding, as well as encouraging sustainable funding for this program that is supported 75% by community donations. Most demonstrations are given at SIRE’s remote rural sites; the Hobby Center enables SIRE to bring program demonstrations to “Inner-Loopers” who might not traditionally attend a horseback riding event in the country.
HOW:	Tickets are free, although an RSVP is required for the event. Serving complimentary appetizers, cocktails and soft drinks.To RSVP, call Susan or JoAnn at 281-356-7588.
WHAT ELSE:	SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, is a non-profit therapeutic horseback riding program that improves the quality of life for people with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities. SIRE has been active in the Houston area for the past 28 years and currently serves over 160 clients per week (with the help of 300 volunteers per week!) at sites in Hockley, Spring and Ft. Bend County.SIRE is the only premier accredited center in the Houston area with PATH International, formerly NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). For more information about SIRE, call 281-356-7588, email at SIREoffice [at] SIRE-htec [dot] org or visit www.sire-htec.org. The mission of the Houston Police Foundation is to foster visible and direct community support for the Houston Police Department by strengthening pride in and connection to the Department’s mission of excellence. For more information visit www.HoustonPoliceFoundation.org.

SIRE introduces Silver Saddles

sire_htec — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:00:08 +0000

MEDIA ALERT

WHO:	If you are over 62 years of age with special medical needs and are looking for a fun format for Exercise, horseback riding may be just right for you! The Introductory Silver Saddles program will begin in January 2012. You will ride once per week for four weeks. The total cost is $180; there is no fee for evaluation or consultation. You must have a referral from a physician, weigh less than 200 pounds, and have an appropriate diagnosis, including, but not limited to, arthritis, diabetes, loss of muscle tone, weakness from stroke, and mild osteoporosis.
WHAT:	SIRE, Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers, if now offering horseback riding lessons for seniors. SIRE is a therapeutic horseback riding program which has been providing services to individuals with special needs in the greater Houston area for over 28 years. Our horses are safe and gentle; our instructors are talented and creative.
WHEN:	Thursday, December 8, 2011 at 3:00 pm
WHERE:	SIRE Hockley site 24161 Spring Dr. Hockley, TX	SIRE Spring site 4610 Sloangate Spring, TX
WHY:	Horseback riding increases flexibility, improves balance and posture, provides gentle exercise, increases muscle tone and stamina, and is just plain fun!
WHAT ELSE:	The horseback riding lessons will take place in our covered arena or on our controlled trail course. Our mounting ramp is used to make getting on and off the horse convenient. Assistants will be available to sidewalk and/or lead the horse as needed. Most of the riding will take place at the walk.

These lessons are appropriate for someone who has never ridden horses as well as someone with limitations which prevent them from riding as they once did. Riders will also learn the basics of grooming and tacking the horses.

SIRE uses the movement and spirit of the horse to improve the lives of children and adults with disabilities. SIRE provides programs for students who have physical and cognitive disabilities, sensory impairments and psycho-social disorders. SIRE works with its clients to improve motor skills, balance and posture while stimulating the cardiovascular system and normalizing muscle tone.

For more information about SIRE, call 281.356.7558 or visit www.sire-htec.org.