In 1985, after carefully researching therapeutic horsemanship for the disabled, Sherry Monty created the SMILES program for persons with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities. She enlisted cooperation from experienced horse persons and inaugurated a program of therapeutic equine instruction on a one evening per week basis with seven students, twelve volunteers, and four borrowed horses and saddles. By the fall session of that same year, student enrollment increased to 28.
At that time it was evident that SMILES needed to construct a non-profit facility and offices which would better serve the participants of SMILES. With the expanded facility, SMILES was capable of serving more individuals and has the flexibility to add additional programs as the need dictates.
Improvements to the facility continued as dedicated Board, staff and volunteers worked with a generous and caring community to bring about positive changes.
Presently, the facility includes the following: * Total Acreage: 35 * Heated/Cooled Indoor Arena 160'x66' * Outdoor Arena:100'X200' * Horse Stable: 20 stalls * Tack Room * Therapy Room * Car Port with automatic doors * HEARTS Ramp designed for different usage levels * Lounge, Kitchen and Office Areas * Fenced pasture areas * Hay Storage Building * Outdoor shelter for horses * Sensory Garden * Sensory Horse Trail
SMILES has grown steadily since its inception, and in the past year, 331 individuals have attended a variety of sessions. SMILES now has 5 full time employees, 2 part-time employees, 5 instructors, more than 300 volunteers and 20 horses.
SMILES is a non-profit, tax exempt corporation that is accredited as a premiere center with North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.
We use a variety of approaches at SMILES, offering equine-oriented activities to help with the cognitive, physical, emotional and social sport, recreation, education and medicine.
The movement of the horse is unique since it moves lateral, forward, up and down all at the same time simulating the human walking gait. This encourages ambulation, works the diaphragm to encourage speech, games used in class work towards goals set by Physical and Occupational therapists, physicians, and guardians (basketball - hand eye coordination, trunk rotation, arm extension, and use of both arms simultaneously).
Any interested individual with physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional disabilities is eligible. At SMILES we use certified instructors, trained and conscientious volunteers, specialized equipment and gentle horses.
We would love to show you our program. Come visit us!!
