Special Olympics
Saddle Up competes in area and state special Olympics. We are so proud of our riders and hope you would consider helping them in their showing.
Saddle Up does not accept pay for riders to go to shows and must pay for loding, stalling of horses, gas and show expenses on our own.
At Risk Youth
Saddle Up offers our At Risk Youth program on Tuesdays for schools educating at risk youth, as well as offering a opportunity for youth in the juvenile arbitration program through the court system to complete there court mandated community service. Community service opportunities are given on Tuesdays and Saturdays only.
Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH) is one of many different approaches within the fields of equine assisted learning (EAI) and equine assisted therapy (EAT). They all work from the premises that contact with animals is therapeutic and healing in a variety of different ways and can be useful for people who may find traditional therapeutic or educational interventions challenging or difficult in some way.
TH is often a more encompassing intervention which can include horse riding together with all aspects of horse care and management; It is understood to be therapeutic as opposed to being a therapy as such. Horses seem to appeal to and motivate young people who have suffered exclusion and disadvantage and who may have previously found it difficult to engage with other services.
As the youth become more comfortable in the farm environment, they are noted to be appropriately physically affectionate with both the horse and staff. Even the boys or girls who were seldom seen expressing physical affections with humans are seen hugging and kissing the horse. Getting in touch with a horse , both literally and figuratively, can enhance one’s appreciation for both the horse and one’s self...we suggest that therapeutic horseback riding and working with horses is a promising way for such individual to more fully participate in their own lives.
In addition to the learning and therapeutic gain from being with horses, being outdoors in the natural environment is beneficial to young people who attend on different levels. These included the obvious physical benefits from the exercise involved in working with and caring for horses, together with the mental advantages that have been attributed to exercise. In addition to those benefits are the less tangible effects of being in nature in perhaps enabling the young people to relax, to be more motivated to learn and engage, and to get away from their problems by being outside in the open, in the natural environment.
Our Mission
To improve the lives of able, disabled and at risk children and adults through direct interaction with horses and equine assisted activities
Whether you've grown up around horses and are wanting to reconnect. A child with aspirations to compete with your giant furry friend. Disabled and wanting to feel the freedom that horses unlock within, or you simply find joy in getting dirty with the aroma of horsehair following you home, while creating something special through helping others; Saddle up has a spot for you.
Offering programs, opportunity and a family for anyone and everyone. Saddle up is a family owned and operated 501c3 that believes in teaching the character traits of perseverance, teamwork, compassion, confidence and the desire to help others grow through intervention and care of horses. We are founded on the truth that the Lord is our shelter and our strength. He has blessed us with the opportunity to share his compassion for us and reveal his strength through learning, caring and understanding these majestic animals. (Psalm 33:17-19)
Who We Are
Everyone who works or volunteers at Saddle Up does so with their heart, not just their hands. This is a program where people connect with horses, which is a wonderful thing in itself. But it is so much more than that. This is a place where people connect with each other; where relationships are built that change the lives of the riders as well as the volunteers; where genuine love and commitment are evidenced at every practice session and at every event. Saddle Up is a place of equalization: every person, no matter rider or volunteer, no matter able bodied or disabled, no matter mentally challenged or fully mentally functional, all experience the sheer joy that comes through the triumph of the human spirit
Come Join Us!
Join our Barn Time, which gives children the chance to learn about horses, their care, and how to ride in a group setting. Sessions run for three hours, this includes learning safety around the barn, grooming and tacking, cleaning, and general horse care. We also offer beginner lessons along with specialized Western and English lessons.
SHOW TEAM
Saddle Up Riding Club is the best riding club in the area! I volunteered here as a nurse for school and loved every minute. They are so professional and do great equine therapy. Kellie and the rest of the staff are always so kind and helpful! I highly recommend Saddle Up for anyone interested in horses!
-Elvedina Majdankic
We’ve been here over three years with our Special Needs daughter. They have done so much to help her with her self confidence and balance. She has been on their Special Olympics Equestrian team three years now and has been to the Florida State Games twice. My other daughter has also taken private riding lessons here and has had a great time. They continue to make improvements to the facility and are making this into a first rate operation. I highly recommend them to all my friends.
-John King
Relearning how to ride and relate to horses has been on my bucket list for years. After investigating several stables and not being completely at ease with any of them I contacted/visited Saddle Up Riding. I was impressed with the instructors knowledge and the conscientious (even affectionate) manner she cared for the horses. After three lessons I am even more favorably impressed. This is a great place to bring your child(ren) or to learn to ride yourself.
-John Utley