SPECIAL UPDATE: The Board of Directors of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding has generously pledged to match donations up to $5,000 during DO More 24 Delaware!! Give NOW and double your impact! We sincerely appreciate your support!

Our Mission and Vision: The Mission of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults living with disabilities through equine assisted services in a supportive environment for riders and families. At SDTR, our mission goes beyond lessons; it’s about creating a sense of community. Many of our participants face barriers—whether physical, cognitive, or emotional—that limit their opportunities and choices. They often face skepticism about their abilities, but when they are on a horse, they are not just part of something; they become the center of it. For our participants, SDTR is a place where they are empowered, supported, and celebrated. Our Vision is to build our volunteer and family communities, and expand therapeutic riding opportunities so that more individuals can benefit from our unique and transformative program.
  

Who We Are: SDTR is affiliated with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl. (PATH). Our program is the only PATH Premier Accredited Center in southern Delaware. Through our specially selected and trained therapy horses, six certified therapeutic riding instructors, and over 125 trained volunteers, SDTR provides therapeutic riding lessons and other equine-assisted activity sessions for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. For a child or an adult with a disability, horseback riding provides more than just the uplifting of spirits, companionship, and outdoor recreation. For those confined to a wheelchair or who have difficulty with motor or communication skills, riding a horse allows them to experience a new sense of freedom that transcends any perceived physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations. This year, we introduced an 8-week equine-assisted program for Veterans. SDTR also partners with Sussex Consortium in the Cape Henlopen School District and the Howard T. Ennis School in the Indian River School District. Students from both schools come to the center regularly for riding and other equine assisted services, and for occupational training. 
 

Our Program: Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) allow children and adults with physical or cognitive disabilities to find joy, strength, healing, and independence through the power and connection with the horse. Lesson activities are planned by Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors (CTRIs) and are developed to address each participant’s goals and abilities with respect to balance, muscle tone, flexibility, motor control, and comprehension. For those individuals who are physically unable to ride, SDTR offers a ground program. 

There are also other activities for riders and their families to participate in at SDTR. Family events such as movie nights, arts and crafts sessions, and days at the farm provide fun opportunities for educational and social enrichment. 
 

How Our Program Helps: Our participants learn about horses and learn to ride in a safe, supportive environment, while CTRIs guide them through moves and exercises selected to address their individual abilities and goals. Some focus on improving core strength, balance and flexibility, or on loosening and stretching muscles tightened by wheelchair use or spasticity. By learning to guide the horses with movements and oral instructions, participants gain confidence, improve communication skills, become less anxious and find an opportunity for social interaction. Additionally, families who participate in our programs appreciate meeting  others at the riding center with whom to socialize, share resources and gain support from each other.

 How You Can Help: Your support has a direct and meaningful impact for the SDTR community! All donations from Do More 24 Delaware will be used to keep our horse herd healthy and strong, and to expand our program and services that we are able to offer to the community. There are many children and adults already on our waiting list, and our vision is to bring equine therapy to many more participants dealing with a broad range of physical and developmental challenges. The equine members of our team are also hugely important to us! You can help support the feeding, healthcare, and wellbeing of our 4-legged therapists by donating today! To learn more about our horses and our program, please visit our website at https://www.sdtrhr.com/.

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization located in Sussex County. We are affiliated with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). Our PATH certified therapeutic riding instructors and trained volunteers have provided planned sessions in equine assisted therapy to children and adults with disabilities since 1988.