About Us

Until the fall of 2020 Project ASTRIDE (Adapted Specialized Training & Recreation Involving Disabled Equestrians) was a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provided therapeutic sessions (mounted and unmounted) for people with developmental, physical or sensory challenges. Our all-volunteer organization has served riders from ages four to 103!

 

Project ASTRIDE began with 3 horses, 6 riders and 1 instructor. 

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A Chronological History:

• 1986: Don Holden, Mollie Wise and Ruth Schutz served as the first board of PA. Teresa Johnson was the first instructor to teach for PA. The pilot program served 6 riders, borrowed 3 horses, had 1 instructor and had 12 volunteers. On-site NARHA representatives initially accredited the center. (valid for 5 years).

• 1986-1995: Avon Hills Quarter Horses served as the host facility.

• 1996: PA moves to Hillcrest Stables through October 2003. Opportunity for number of riders increases to 36. PA owns 2 horses and leases 6 more. Volunteer number increases to 30. Riders served are 3 years to elderly adult.

• 2004: Program expands to 8 classes per session on Tuesday and Thursday evenings (2 group classes) and Wednesday days (2-3 private or semi-privates). Center has the ability to serve approximately 60 riders. PA owns 4 horses, has 3 certified instructors and moves to One Time Farm.

• 2006: 20th Anniversary of PA. Open house is held in June and is the culmination of the 2nd annual raffle drawing. PA accepts one horse for donation and retires another. PA now owns 5 horses and leases 1 more. There are 56 rider slots available. PA is awarded a grant of $5,000 to participate in the Initiative Foundation's Healthy Organization’s Partnership program.

• 2007: PA moves (back) to Avon Hills Paints & Quarterhorses. Program owns 5 horses and has 60+ riders.

• 2015: In early 2015 PA found a new home at "Enchanted Acres”, a property owned by Mary Spaeth.

• 2016: PA celebrates 30 years as a 100% volunteer organization.

• 2017: PA had  61 active volunteers helping out in various ways, both at the barn during our program sessions and also in several "out-of-the-barn" events as well as doing many behind the scenes tasks (including behind the computer). Together, we recorded almost 2,000 hours of volunteer time.