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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 2, 2014

SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship Receives grants from Equus Foundation and Fort Bend Cares for Hippotherapy

Houston

SIRE has now received several generous donations to restart hippotherapy services in the Houston area. Hippotherapy is  a form of physical, occupational or speech therapy in which a licensed therapist uses the movement of a horse to accomplish prescribed treatment goals.

The  EQUUS Foundation provides grants to charities dedicated to ensuring the well-being of horses, improving the quality of life of people through equine-assisted activities and therapies, and fostering the horse-human bond.

Earlier this year, by making critical data available about its programs, horse care practices, and governance, SIRE met the qualifications to be a Messenger organization with Equus.

SIRE’s relationship with Equus goes back to at least 2011, when the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the EQUUS Foundation selected SIRE board member, Molly Sweeney, for their highest honor, the Humanitarian Award. Molly received the award for devoting her life to supporting and recognizing the horse-human connection.

Likewise, SIRE has had a longstanding relationship with Fort Bend Cares. Fort Bend Cares was founded in 2004 to support existing charitable organizations providing essential services to disadvantaged children and youth in Fort Bend County.

Thanks to donations from Fort Bend Cares, Equus, and others, SIRE’s clients – in the words of our tagline – “Ride Beyond” and thrive.

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About SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship

SIRE is a nonprofit organization with locations in Hockley, Spring and Fort Bend County that provide therapeutic riding instruction to people of all ages with varying developmental, physical, and psychological disabilities. The organization, founded 31 years ago, served more than 300 riders last year, helping each gain a sense of accomplishment, greater independence, and a higher quality of life. SIRE has received a “Premier Accreditation” rating from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Riding International. Four of the 31 Master Instructors certified by PATH International world-wide serve riders and the profession at SIRE.

Donations are always needed and gratefully accepted. SIRE needs volunteers (horse knowledge not necessary), horses, and resources to underwrite therapeutic horsemanship sessions.

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