Easterseals Happiness House is proud to offer therapy and horseback riding services at InStride Therapy and Equestrian Center. At InStride we utilize the beautiful sixty-two-acre therapy facility in Nokomis, Florida to deliver Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), and Speech Therapy. Additionally, InStride also offers Therapeutic Riding and Equine Assisted Learning Programs including programs for veterans.
Our horseback riding program offers the ability for riders ages 7 and up to learn Classical Horsemanship and Classical Dressage.
InStride provided recreational riding to qualified campers of the Foundation for Dreams.
Following a highly successful capital campaign, InStride Therapy was able to purchase the leased Nokomis site in July 2001. The cost of the land with due diligence and feasibility studies was $1,000,000. InStride Therapy received a commitment from the Bolger Foundation for $200,000 of this cost. Additional funding was acquired through contributions by local foundations, corporations, individuals, and special fundraising events.
The remaining balance on the property acquisition was fully funded by an anonymous foundation.
Easter Seals partnered with InStride for Hippotherapy services.
We moved into our new facilities; a 28 stall barn, office, 200' x 110' covered arena, and outdoor family center and caretaker residence. The dream was now fully realized!
InStride began hosting its annual family-centered event - GIDDY UP & Grand BBQ. Since then attendance has exceeded nearly 500 new and old friends each year.