Lauren Igler competing at the All SIRE Horse Show
Derrick Perkins competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida, May 2014.
“I’m proud to be able to wear my uniform again and have the opportunity to represent the U.S.A.” Derrick Perkins, SIRE rider and United States ParaEquestrian
You should hear our rider Lauren chatting about school. Unremarkable? Her mother says it’s amazing. Years after his spinal cord injury, retired Air Force sergeant Derrick Perkins may yet compete internationally for the U.S.
Nearly 900,000 people with disabilities live within reach of SIRE. Just like Lauren and Derrick they can overcome limits, if you help.
Lauren’s mother, Ladana, remembers how her daughter struggled with coordination and balance. Climbing stairs would have been like climbing a mountain. “Three months after Lauren started riding at SIRE, I saw her walk up a flight of stairs.” At age 8, Lauren used an assistive device to communicate. Not anymore. “Within three years, she was speaking clearly and in sentences.” (Read more about Lauren here.)
By supporting SIRE, you open the world, inviting our clients to RIDE BEYOND.
It’s not seatbelts, velcro or duct tape that keep our clients in the saddle, it’s you.
Claire, Lauren, and Leah celebrate State Special Olympic victory.
Last year, SIRE provided 5,769 therapeutic riding sessions to 307 riders with disabilities. About one-quarter also participate in competition. After being injured in the Air Force, Derrick competed in wheelchair sports. He came to SIRE 6 years ago thinking it would be recreation. “It’s work,” Derrick says with a laugh, “and I have a drill sergeant,” referring to his instructor.
This spring, 59 SIRE riders, the largest contingent ever, brought home 143 awards from the Houston Rodeo Top Hands Horse Show. Nearly as many competed in Special Olympics, winning 57 gold medals. Nita, a grandparent of one of our clients, said after a competition, “Jason won and he’s never been first in anything before.” Renee says her daughter Claire comes home with trophies and says ‘I’m a winner!’
Join our winning team! Your gift of $25, $50, $100, or more will provide the opportunity for more to RIDE BEYOND.