Who Do We Serve

The riders of InStride represent all ages and backgrounds. The majority of our participants are between the ages of 2 and 11. Most participants have varying degrees of cognitive, physical, behavioral, psychological and sensory disabilities. There is no “typical” rider, as programs are designed to benefit individuals with a wide variety of disabilities.

The primary disabilities include autism, attention deficit disorder, traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, spina bifida, developmental delay, visual and hearing impairments, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and amputation.

Our association with Children First provides an opportunity for an inclusive “Horsin’ Around with Literacy” Equestrian Day-Camp experience for children. InStride is the home of the Sarasota Special Olympics Equestrian team. We also serve our community through school programs at Oak Park and experiential learning opportunities provided on-site through our outreach programs.

Our participants come to us from special-education classes at local schools, as referrals from physicians, social service agencies, group homes, rehabilitation or vocational training centers, and through individual referrals by other participants and friends. Our goal is to offer our programs to everyone who can benefit from them, regardless of financial means, and to make direct scholarships available to those who need them.