Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART)

SMART provides an all encompassing horsemanship program—where participants learn to groom and tack up their horses, ride to the utmost of their ability, and care for their horses afterwards. All of these horsemanship skills provide the participant with many physical, emotional and cognitive benefits! Some of these benefits include an increase in physical strength and stamina, an improvement in posture, balance and coordination, and an increase in attention span and independent skills. An increase in self-esteem and a sense of empowerment are also gained from fostering a respectful, affectionate, working “partnership” with their horse. At SMART, the movement of the horse, the connection to the horse, and the natural environment are all used to help heal the body, mind and spirit of each SMART Rider. (Source)