WHAT WE DO
SIRE serves adults and children with a wide variety of special needs including, but not limited to cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, developmental delay, attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Through equine-assisted activities and therapies, our riders experience the many benefits of therapeutic horsemanship described below.
GABRIELLA’S STORY
Gabriella is entering her 20th year of riding at SIRE in a program she started at age 2. When she arrived, she could barely sit up because of mitochondrial disease and acute seizure disorder that causes her to experience about 30 seizures a day.
Now 21, Gabriella rides as an experienced equestrian.
“The riding is absolutely wonderful. Before she rides, she cannot walk up the ramp to get to the horse, but afterwards, she opens the gate to leave the arena and can walk to the car with assistance,” says Nikki, Gabriella’s grandmother. “SIRE does wonders for people with special needs. It’s the best thing in the world. It’s good for the soul.”
Here’s Gabriella’s story…
OUR MISSION
The mission of SIRE is to improve the quality of life for people with special needs through therapeutic horsemanship activities and therapies, and educational outreach.
The power of therapeutic horsemanship to change lives has been known for hundreds of years. Scientific studies and those who participate note benefits including:
- Increased strength
- Improved balance
- Enriched social interactions
- Increased flexibility
- Improved coordination
- Enhanced self-esteem
SIRE Events
SIRE Takes 2nd Place in Most Creative Video
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Top Hands Horse Show hosted a video contest this year in conjunction with their virtual horse show. We are thrilled to announce SIRE received 2nd place for Most Creative. Thank you to our riders and families who participated in creating this special message.
SIRE Under the Stars
Thank You!
SIRE Under the Stars virtual gala was a huge success! Together we raised over $145,000! Thank you to Beck & Masten for being our Presenting Sponsor and thank you to Mary Elizabeth Wise Sand and Cailean Gysler for your time and effort in making this event a success. Special shout out to this year’s Host Committee too: Jana and Scotty Arnoldy, Elly and Phil Berman, Malori and Patrick Callahan, Genna and Jon Evans, Carol and Jim Farnsworth, Mindy Hildebrand, Susan Vick and Dan Dinges, Lynna and Pete Walsh, Jane and Jim Wise, and Marie and Bill Wise.
Our Year End Appeal
Horses are highly intuitive animals. When a horse and rider duo is partnered with a certified instructor, much can be gleaned from the interaction between our horses and riders. Thank you for helping us surpass our goal and raising over $70,000. Our riders and horses thank you!
Saddle Up for SIRE
Thank you to our corporate sponsors and everyone who donated to the Saddle Up for SIRE virtual benefit trail ride. We were overwhelmed by the support! You helped us raise almost $50,000 surpassing our goal of $40,000. These critical dollars will help us continue to provide scholarships to riders in financial need at both of our locations.
Have an Idea for a Fundraising or Friendraising Event?
If you have an idea for an event in your home, a unique venue, cool restaurant, art gallery, etc., we’d love to coordinate it with you! Please contact Beth Burroway at 281-414-4830 Ext 202 or via email at beth@sire-htec.org.
