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.
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
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…
SIRE Events
We are very excited to announce SIRE-Therapeutic Horsemanship has purchased 40-acres in Fort Bend County achieving our strategic goal of two premier training centers. SIRE will hold its first day of fall classes at the new Fort Bend facility Sept. 10 and a Grand Opening event is set for Oct. 23, 2021, in conjunction with SIRE’s iconic annual fundraiser Saddle up for SIRE. Click to read more.
SAVE THE DATE! Saddle Up for SIRE 2021
Saddle Up for SIRE will be held on Saturday, October 23 in Fulshear, TX! Dinner, dancing, music and more to come. REGISTER TODAY! For questions, please contact Beth Burroway at beth@sire-htec.org and she can assist you.
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.
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.
