WHAT WE DO
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…
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.
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
ALL SIRE HORSE SHOW
Thank you to everyone who participated in the All SIRE Horse Show. We had over 120 riders and guests participate in the day of activities. A special shout out to Team Mancuso Powersports and Can-Am for the Defender donation.
THANK YOU for supporting Saddle Up for SIRE!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event by riding or making a donation. More than 220 attended the trail ride and enjoyed barbecue by Rudy’s. Stay tuned for next year’s date!
SIRE Under the Stars
SIRE Under the Stars was a huge success! Over $200,000 raised and over 180 guests attended the western-chic affair that honored Jana and Scotty Arnoldy. Event co-chairs Mary Elizabeth Wise Sand and Carol and Jim Farnsworth helped secure sponsors for more than half the SIRE equine herd.
Save the date for April 2020!
Events Benefiting SIRE
SIRE Donor Appreciation Event
It was a day filled with intense polo, sunshine and lite bites. Thank you for helping us celebrate our donors and friends of SIRE. A special thank you to Cupcakes and Bubbles for donating the delicious cupcakes!
Educational Opportunities
More educational opportunities are begin scheduled. Check back here for updated dates and times.
For questions or ideas, contact Anthony Busacca at anthony@sire-htec.org
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 281-356-7588 Ext 202 or via email at beth@sire-htec.org.
