News from Around SIRE
Awty student Loves SIRE
Hi! My name is Julia Brown and I am a current junior at the Awty International School in Houston, Texas. My journey with SIRE began at the end of summer 2022 where I started volunteering weekly as a side-walker. Throughout these past few months, I helped incredibly talented riders achieve their goals, whether that be navigating an obstacle course without
2021 Year End Appeal
2021 Year End Appeal True holiday joy, the joy you feel deep in your heart, comes from giving to something you are passionate about. Our current need is to raise $175,000 by the end of the year. With the two new facilities you made possible, SIRE is poised to grow in numbers of people served and variety of services
All SIRE Horse Show
All SIRE Horse Show ‘Tis the season for the annual All SIRE Holiday Horse Show. This all-site show will showcase our riders' talents and recognize their outstanding spirit. All SIRE riders are invited to participate in this fun-filled day for the entire family. Activities include friendly competition, games, holiday activities, lunch, and more. Sat, Dec. 11 - 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fort Bend
SIRE Has A New Fort Bend County Home!
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 held its first day of fall classes at the new Fort Bend facility Sept. 10. A Grand Opening event was held Oct. 23, 2021, in conjunction with SIRE’s iconic annual fundraiser Saddle up for SIRE. Click to read more.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
Program Overview Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential approach that promotes the development of life skills for education, professional and personal goals through equine assisted activities. In an EAL setting, equine-human interaction is guided by a planned learning experience to meet the identified goals or desires of the participant(s). Skills learned will transfer to life skills such
New Counseling Center, Arena and Barn Coming to SIRE’s Spring Location
SIRE announced plans to begin a construction project that will add multiple buildings to its Spring area site.
Thank You Saddle Up for SIRE Donors and Sponsors
Thank you! A special 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 over $60,000 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 Year End Appeal
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 2020 has gone VIRTUAL!
Now through Nov. 30 you can help raise critical dollars to support not just our riders but our specially trained herd. Hoof care, hay and feed are crucial needs for SIRE’s herd at Fort Bend and Spring.
Unicorn Mini Sessions by Tiffany Harston Photography
UNICORN MINI SESSIONS Create a magical experience for your kiddo while helping an amazing organization with Unicorn Mini Sessions by Tiffany Harston Photography!
SIRE Re-Opens Spring Location
Several weeks ago, SIRE sent surveys to riders, volunteers and staff asking for their feedback about if and when SIRE is able to re-open, would they return and what precautions they would like to see in place. The response was overwhelming! So many riders are ready to be back in the saddle at SIRE and likewise, our volunteers and horses
ZOOM ZOOM! What’s New at SIRE?
SIRE has been utilizing the group video conference call services of ZOOM to stay connected with its riders, volunteers and staff. Recently, Joe Wappelhorst, Shayna Bolton and Helen Evans hosted a ZOOM call with the volunteers and riders to update them about the types of activities they have been doing during the quarantine. These activities include special projects,
Bringing Horsemanship Sessions into the Home
While SIRE locations may be closed to our riders and volunteers, our Site Managers and Instructors are creating a way to bring the sessions into the homes or our SIRE riders. With the help of technology, the SIRE staff schedule several times during the week to connect virtually with riders and volunteers. During these interactive live conference calls, staff members
COVID-19 and Its Impact on SIRE
This past week Executive Director Joe Wappelhorst provided a brief update to donors, foundations and corporations about the financial impact COVID-19 has had on SIRE and what the financial forecast looks like in the immediate and long-term future. Please click below to watch the presentation he shared and listen to his remarks. If you have any questions, please email Joe at Joe@sire-htec.org
March 2020 Message from Board President
Dear SIRE Family: After a tremendous amount of thought, anguish and guidance, SIRE leadership has decided our operations should remain closed until we are confident we can provide services in a manner that is safe and healthy for all involved. Due to the fluid nature of the Coronavirus outbreak, we cannot predict how long this may last. We have had to
Important update on SIRE and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Dear friend of SIRE, This is an important update on SIRE and the Coronavirus (COVID-19). First a reminder that SIRE is closed all of next week for Spring break. Since the initial news of the Coronavirus, SIRE management has been closely monitoring events and news to be prepared. In order to maintain the health and safety of everyone who