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
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. Please make your year end donation TODAY to support the therapeutic riding programs and our specially trained herd at SIRE. 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.
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.
SIRE Under the Stars
SIRE Under the Stars went virtual this year due to COVID-19 and the support from friends and family of SIRE was amazing! Over $100,000 was raised to provide expert care for the SIRE herd during these unprecedented times.
Thank you for helping us make it a huge success!
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!
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.
