About Us

Project ASTRIDE (Adapted Specialized Training & Recreation Involving Disabled Equestrians) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides 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!

 

Ridng sessions are held and the horses are boarded at an equestrian facility in the St. Cloud, Minnesota vicinity. Participants are provided with a trained horse, adaptive tack and a team of volunteers (a certified riding instructor, horse leader and up to two side walkers) during each one hour session.

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Through our program the horse and rider are truly a team!

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Project ASTRIDE is a PATH In'tl (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) Accredited Riding Center. All riding and horse related experiences are supervised by experienced Advanced and Registered PATH Certified Instructors. We are proud to say that we have been fully accredited by PATH since our inception in 1986 - that's over 30 years of experience in therapeutic horsemanship!

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Project ASTRIDE began with 3 horses, 6 riders and 1 instructor. Currently the program owns 5 horses, serves over 60 riders and has 4 instructors.

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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: PA moves to Enchanted Acres, a property just north of Sartell/east of St. Stephen, that is owned by Jesse and Mary Spaeth.

MISSION STATEMENT

• Project ASTRIDE provides therapeutic recreational horse activities for individuals with cognitive or physical challenges.

 

CORE VALUES

• Encourages people of differing abilities and perspectives to learn and grow from each other.

• Recognize people as individuals with abilities.

• Uphold the standards of a PATH Int'l premium accredited center.

• Promote a fun and positive learning environment.

• Safely present challenges to experience and achieve growth.