News from Around SIRE
Michelle hits new goal – Walking Unassisted!
Michelle started riding at SIRE’s Spring site in March of 2015. She was very excited about riding and quickly showed her natural abilities on a horse. When Michelle first started riding with SIRE she was using a wheelchair most of the time to get around. After about six months of riding Michelle was using her three wheeled walker to get
Sophia – “Therapeutic riding is magical”
Sophia began riding with us in the Fall of 2016. Sophia had difficulty making eye contact when talking and staying focused. At the time of her riding evaluation, her mother reported difficulty controlling her energy and emotions, as well as challenges controlling her hands which resulted in profound handwriting deficiencies. At some point, Sophia’s mom was told by the Occupational
Super Volunteer Traci!
Traci Hockabout Traci Hockabout has been an integral part of our volunteer team since January 2011. She heard about SIRE from a friend who was volunteering with us. After learning about SIRE Traci decided that it sounded like something she would enjoy doing. It also would allow her to spend time with horses, something she did when she was growing
SIRE Spotlight : PJ Murray
SIRE is thankful to be blessed with a fantastic staff. This month we would like to shine a light on an individual who brings happiness, experience, and patience to every lesson and meeting : PJ Murray. PJ is a very busy individual! She is the Hockley Site Manager and an Instructor. She is a grandmother and animal lover. For
Brandi Johnston – SIRE’s Comeback Queen
Sitting on a set of wooden bleachers on a hot summer day, the smell of dirt and grass fill the air. Light music accompanies the whir of large ceiling fans that are secured to the arena. The hustle and bustle of horses being herded around the barn signify the end of a riding lesson. As a group of
SIRE Inclusion and Diversity Statement
Inclusion is valuing, appreciating, and effectively utilizing the talents of people with a diversity of dimensions including age, appearance, beliefs, education, ethnic origin, gender, ideas, job classifications, physical ability, political views, race, religion, sexual orientation and more. SIRE is committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive environment that values and respects each individual, and that is welcoming, equitable and supportive
Meet our Lady’s Man … or is it Mare’s Gelding?
MEET OUR LADY'S MAN ... OR IS IT MARE'S GELDING? Heir is a 17-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who joined the Spring herd in June of 2015. He’s a Sorrel color with a white “Nike swoosh” shaped blaze on his face. Heir stands 15.1 hands tall with a stocky build. Heir is the first Western trained show
Celebrating 22 Years of riding at SIRE
James Giovanniello was born in Miami, FL on July 13, 1978 and moved to Texas in 1993. He lives with his father Joe in The Woodlands. His mother passed away in 2000, the same year that James graduated from The Woodlands High School. James attends Bridgewood Farms and participates in Ceramics, Horticulture, Job Training, Physical Education, Social and Life Skills,
Abby commits for Luke!
ABBIE COMMITS FOR LUKE "that day I decided that I would have to terminate my six year long engagement with the band program in order to fulfill my commitment to Luke" When I first started working with SIRE in the spring of 2015, I had absolutely no experience working with people with disabilities, and I did not
Check out our HEB commercial
Our riders and volunteers came together to make a Commercial for HEB as part of a contest HEB was running. While we did not win, we love the commercial and wanted to share it with the world. As you can see we had fun!
Volunteer Spotlight – Tonya
Tanya previously volunteered at SIRE from 2008 to 2010 and then again in 2012 before moving away. She currently volunteers Thursday afternoons and we love her happy smile and gentle way with all of the horses. Tanya is married to husband Carlos, and has one fur-baby, Asher, their golden retriever. They have a “blended” household…Carlos is a Longhorn and Tanya
Volunteer Spotlight – Mike Lyons
Mike has been volunteering at SIRE for close to five years and started after his daughter became a volunteer. In his own words, he would wait and “twiddle his thumbs” while she was in classes, so he decided to jump in and go through the training to volunteer himself. We are sure glad he did as anyone who knows Mike
Volunteer Spotlight Brianda
Brianda Carrasco is a volunteer at the SIRE Fort Bend Riding Center. In addition to the hours of work and passion she brings to SIRE, Brianda is participating in the Miss Houston Latina Pageant. This is the 1st place platform video Brianda made for the competition. We are so proud of Brianda and wish her the best of luck.
TOP SHOWING FOR SIRE AT TOP HANDS
Hard work pays off! For the past few months 63 SIRE riders have been honing their competition skills in showmanship at halter, English equitation, Western equitation, trail, pole bending and barrel racing. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Top Hands event attracts special needs riders from around the Houston area and SIRE was there in full force. All together
SIRE CASTLE GETS A FABULOUS FACELIFT
The Hockley castle and sensory course received a much needed facelift from Hockley volunteer, Sydney Shultz. Sydney chose SIRE for her senior Creative Action Service Project. The CAS project and experiences are an important part of the IB Diploma. It is designed to help students learn through life experiences outside the classroom. For the past year, Sydney has been writing
Ford Mobility Motoring
The Ford Mobility Motoring programs gives up to $1,000 to reimburse mobility modifications to any new Ford. Since 1992, Ford has helped over 260,000 people modify their vehicle and find new freedom. Just ask your salesperson for details. You can learn more at Ford Mobility Motoring