Who Do We Serve

The riders of InStride represent all ages and backgrounds. The majority of our participants are between the ages of 18 months and 11. Most participants have varying degrees of cognitive, physical, behavioral, psychological and sensory disabilities. There is no “typical” rider, as programs are designed to benefit individuals with a wide variety of disabilities.  We have an upper weight limit of 175 lbs to keep our riders safe and our horses in good condition.

The primary disabilities include autism, attention deficit disorder, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, developmental delay, visual and hearing impairments, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and amputation.

Our participants come to us from special-education classes at local schools, as referrals from physicians, social service agencies, group homes, rehabilitation or vocational training centers, and through individual referrals by other participants and friends.

Our goal is to offer our programs to everyone who can benefit from them, regardless of financial means, and to make direct scholarships available to those who need them.

InStride's association with Children First and South County Family YMCA has provided an inclusive “Horsin’ Around with Literacy” Equestrian Day-Camp experience for pre-school children and Leadership Skill Building for 12-17 year old counselors-in-training.

InStride is the home of the Sarasota Special Olympics Equestrian Team from January through April as we prepare riders for regional and state competitions. We also serve our community through school programs at Oak Park and experiential learning opportunities provided on-site through our outreach programs.