Welcome to Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc. (SDTRHR). Our mission is to provide equine-assisted therapy promoting the physical, emotional and educational growth of children and adults with special needs in our community. We are a 501©3, non-profit, NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) affiliated center located in Eastern Sussex County. Presently, we are the only NARHA-affiliated center in Sussex and Kent Counties.

SDTRHR currently serves 25 riders a week ranging in ages from 5 years old to 53 years old. Disabilities served by SDTRHR include: Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Ausberger's Syndrome, Attention-Deficit Disorder, Spina Bifida, visual-impairments, Multiple Sclerosis, Mental Retardation and sensory deprivation.

Since we have a ratio of one NARHA certified instructor per participant, SDTRHR provides quality, individualized instruction based on carefully thought out lesson plans which include: teaching a riding skill, learning about horse anatomy and behavior and learning the equipment used for grooming and riding. The instructors at SDTRHR strive to make the lessons fun and enjoyable for everyone involved.

We have experienced countless success stories with our participants. One of our participants with Cerebral Palsy has been riding at SDTRHR for over 9 years. When he first started he lacked the trunk and legs muscles to sit independently on the horse. Due to this muscle weakness, he required a back rider to provide support behind him and was only able to ride the horse at the walk. Well, now he rides in a saddle independently and walks, trots and even CANTERS! A true success story!

Visit our website, http://www.sdtrhr.com, for more amazing stories, photos and information about this beneficial program.