The work these people do is quite amazing. My son loves riding and this environment is perfectly suited for his needs. I highly recommend Sebastian to anyone.
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My daughter has received riding and cart driving lessons at Sebastian Riding Associates for many years. It has made a real difference in her life. It has helped with her posture, given her confidence, and met many friends. It is a wonderful organization. Our daughter loves going to her lessons.
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I would highly recommend Sebastian’s
Riding Associates!
It has extremely knowledgeable and caring instructors as well as many caring volunteers.
I have seen the growth in so many students who always leave with a sense of accomplishment.
Sebastian's is a wonderful organization that provides equine therapy for a variety of people. I support a person that has lessons there.
The staff, volunteers and trainers go above and beyond with my individual. She has gained confidence, and also works on strength and coordination.
They are extremely welcoming there!
Sebastian's holds a special place in my heart. Three of my adopted daughters have benefited from the exceptional services provided here, and it's the incredible staff and volunteers who make it truly exceptional. Their immense compassion and kind-hearted spirit set them apart. My three adopted daughters were navigating the difficult journey of coping with the loss of their biological mother, and Sebastian's played a pivotal role in their healing process. I will forever be grateful for the services they offered. One of my daughters has become a volunteer there because of the love she has for Sebastians.
I've been bringing PASD's elementary ELD summer program to Sebastian Riding Associates for a few years now. Today, one of my students, who has visited Sebastian twice, asked me when we were returning to SRS. When asking him 'why', he noted that he misses Oreo.
My ELD kids always learn from our experiences at Sebastian that when people take care of animals, animals take care of people.
Staff are very professional yet fun and caring! They are very knowledgeable when it comes to both their riders as well as the horses.
This place helped me figure out my path in life. Because of that, I can't think of a more special and impactful community than Sebastion's. I started volunteering at 13 years old and kept returning for as many camps I could help with each summer until I was 19. Now, I am in graduate school to become an occupational therapist and eventually specialize in hippotherapy. When people ask me what led me to this career field it was simple, I reflected on a time where I was most happy and that was at the barn volunteering. Sebastions opened my eyes to the connection riders make with a horse. I have volunteered at other barns before, but this one is set above the rest.
I have been volunteering with Sebastian on a weekly basis for over 10 years. I've worked with a number of students and horse "instructors" over those years, and it's always apparent how much the time spent at Sebastian helps to develop confidence and independence.
Sebastian Riding is awesome. They help so many people! All ages & all conditions, physical or mental. They are involved with Make a Wish, giving Riding lessons to terminally ill people. I am always impressed with the staff & horses.
Amazing place. They recently held their annual student horse show with a super hero theme- even the horses dressed up.
I worked with Sebastians for several years. I brought children from a residential treatment facility to participate in their Riding Free program for individuals with PTSD. These children had suffered trauma that was unthinkable and most had never even seen a horse before. To watch their progress during this program was beautiful! All the staff and volunteers, including the horses, were so kind and patient. I cannot say enough about how wonderful this organization is! They will always be a part of my heart!!!
Sebastian Riding Associates provides a safe, supportive, and educational experience for both the client and the client's family. Through interactions with the horses and the staff in this therapeutic riding environment, the client can benefit physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
The staff is flexible and adaptable which is very important, given the nature of horses and of the needs of the clientele.
Sebastian's does an amazing job with the students and families. They truly care and it is evident in all of their interactions.
My daughter has greatly benefited from the amazing work/volunteers at Sebastian Riding Assoc for the last 19years. It improved her balance, sequential processing skills, engagement/strengthening of her affected limbs, but most importantly increased her confidence. It gives her a skill that most of her typically developing peers didn’t have where she can excel. She absolutely loves Sebastian’s. Amazing program and people!
I am a volunteer who has gotten more than I have given at this wonderful place. SRA truly cares about the students and helps them feel empowered through riding. SRA truly cares about their horses too. It’s an amazing place.
Fantastic place to volunteer and work! Wonderful community of people, clients, and horses.
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Sebastian Riding Associates is a wonderful therapeutic riding stable for people with disabilities. SRA has helped to improve the lives countless children and adults through equine facilitated therapy. SRA is a wonderful facility with great horses, volunteers, Staff, and community supporters. It is a lovely facility with a indoor riding arena with great footing, and beautiful pastures and trails for students to ride outside during their lessons. And overall wonderful facility changing lives of people with disabilities.
The wonderful differences with Sebastian Riding Associates is
-High competence in therapeutic riding and hippotherapy - they know their stuff!
-Very high quality standards for their program, instructors, aids, volunteers, horses and equipment. It's not a fancy place - but it these standards keep the focus on excellence in what they do.
- A very caring, supportive approach to their riders and family. Raising a special needs person is a difficult journey and SRA ensures the student's family are embraced as an important part of the effort.
The people and staff go above and beyond caring for the many children and adults they help bond with the beatiful horses they have at Sebastian. My granddaughter started at Sebastian due to trauma that she experienced before I adopted her. It was recommened through her therapist and we have stay long since her actual therapy stopped. She feels an attachment to the many people and horses and ponies . She was ble to do their summer camp and absolutly fell in love with the horse way of life. You couldn't support a more worthy cause if looking for an organization to help !
My daughter Gabi has been riding with SRA for 10 years. Their riding instructors are caring, patient, encouraging and enthusiastic. Gabi loves to reward her horse after each lesson with an apple snack that she prepares herself, riding is the highlight of every week.
Those who love someone with special needs sees the beauty and potential they bring. We desire for others to treat our loved ones with respect and dignity. At Sebatian Riding Associates, our loved ones are respected, trained at a high standard and loved as we love them. All who work and volunteer at Sebatian truly believe that each and every life has purpose and something to offer. They are tireless in their efforts to educate the general public and strive to uphold a very high standard for all who commit to the special needs community. Furthermore, Sebastian staff care and love the animals that work so hard to provide the therapeutic experience. Ensuring each one is sound and healthy to work with the students. We are so proud to have our daughter be a part of this beautiful community at Sebatian Riding!
Sebastian Riding Associates truly cares about the students they support. The animals have a kind spirit and appear to understand the students’ needs. The staff is patient and knowledgeable in their craft. The students look forward to therapy because of their experience.
Sebastian Riding Associates Inc. has been incredibly helpful for my daughter. It has been wonderful to see her confidence and her ability to follow multi step directions improve. The best thing ever is the smile on her face after her lesson. Her instructor Chris is so patient and kind and you can really tell that this is her passion to see students succeed and apply what they have learned in their everyday life. I am so thankful we found this place.
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Sebastian Riding Associates Inc has helped my child in a lot of ways. Before her riding therapy, my child struggled with confidence, focus, and multi-step directions. Since she has been going to lessons her smile has returned, her focus has improved and she is able to follow directions a lot better. Her instructor Chris is absolutely wonderful and patient and has taught my daughter a lot in a kind and gentle way. I highly recommend Sebastian to help anyone with PTSD.
Our son has Down syndrome and started riding at Sebastian Riding Associates when he was three years old. He is nine and we've loved watching him grow in his skills and strength, becoming comfortable and making friends with his horse. We are so thankful for the Sebastian team and all the volunteers who keep the barn running! We love the horses, too!
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Our son is thriving because of the team at Sebastian Riding Associates. They are patient, knowledgeable and make hard work fun. The skills he's master, both from a fine motor and gross motor perspective, with the help of his team have translated into gains in the classroom. We are so thankful for the SRA team!
Our son has been riding at Sebastian’s for 3+ years. It’s a nurturing, therapeutic experience. Such a deserving place. And our son is a second generation rider! My husband not only rode for many years, he volunteered and worked as a stable hand.
SRA has been a game changer for my family - for months during Covid (after CDC regulations allowed small outside interactions) it was the only outside therapeutic support either child got and from the start (about 2yrs ago now!!) it was amazing to watch their growth from week to week -they have very different needs and strengths, but for both of them the focus and inner strength needed to work with and around the stables & horses , has grown their abilities, physical and emotional. They have developed an Increased awareness of their impact on the environment, people and the animals they interact with, their self confidence in their ability to self regulate and set boundaries has grown in leaps and bounds and physical their core strength (and flexibility for one) are undeniably the result of the work the instructors and girls have done and continue to do. SRA was a life saver for this Mom and a blesding for the whole family!
Wonderful charity. My son has been going to Sebastian for more than 15 years. The caring staff and well maintained facility make the horseback riding fun and safe for him.
This place is MAGICAL. My son is involved in a lot of therapy and Sebastians is our favorite. Being at the stables is such a fun and relaxed environment and everyone that volunteers or works there is kind, supportive, welcoming, and loving. We are so happy to have found such a wonderful place for hippotherapy!
Emily started lessons here 10 years ago at the age of only 3 years old. She had hip surgery at the age of 2 years and only started walking at 2.5 years age. Her lessons at Sebastian have helped her build confidence, core strength, and overall maturity. This place is the best with the most generous abs helpful staff!
We Love Sebastian’s! They have the best horses, and my niece Abbie loves all the volunteers. They have become like family!
I started volunteering at Sebastian Riding Associates just recently. I was awe struck by the things they do. A great place to be for all involved.
I started volunteering here in May 2021, and it’s been so so so much fun. The people the are so kind, and horses are super friendly. Overall, I love it here.
My daughter has been at Sebastians for several years. The volunteers and staff are the most loving and committed people. They poor their hearts into the kids and horses. My daughters genetic disorder leaves her struggling, emotionally , mentally and socially. The horses have an unbelievable connection to the kids.
Sebastians drove their pony to our house to visit our daughter on her 14th birthday, this was during the time we could go not go out.
My daughter could not go without Sebastians, it completes her.
My daughter Annie has been riding at Sebastian Riding Assoc. for over 14 years! She loves it! It has helped her in so many different ways. Physically, her strength, balance, posture and endurance have improved greatly from the weekly riding lesson through the years. Educationally, She has learned a great deal for the care of the horse, anatomy of the horse as well as tack used on the horse ie. different saddles, bridles, girths, saddle pads, brushes etc. Her lessons has increased her mental abilities. After years of riding Annie is able to listen attentively to a series of directions, remember the course, complete the course while having to concentrate on riding and communicating with her horse. All while having fun. She has benefited socially from the wonderful summer camps offered by SRA. Annie enjoys the games on horseback, equestrian arts, crafts and projects as well as meeting other special needs with a love for horses. I cannot say enough about the wonderful professional staff, instructors and volunteers. The instructors are certified and constantly improving their skills by attending continuing ed classes. The volunteers are trained thoroughly by the staff and instructors. Providing a safe enjoyable environment for the benefit of the riders. The care for the horses is commendable. They have the best feed and pasture turn out time, vetrinary, blacksmith and even massage therapy care They are worked with daily, loved, and must undergo a series of tests and training to qualify as a reliable therapy horse.
In conclusion, I highly recommend this SRA. My daughter will continue to ride, learn and enjoy this wonderful program.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to express my appreciation of Sebastian Riding Associates!
First and foremost, the instructors and other staff and volunteers are fantastic. They are the most patient angels you will ever meet--their skill level is unmatched and their ability to teach horseback riding to differently abled children, many of whom have never been near a horse, is remarkable.
My daughter arrived at her first lessons quite nervous and was made to feel very safe and comfortable--such that many people commented that they thought she'd been riding for years, when it had only been a matter of weeks. I attribute this to the dedication and make-up of Sebastian staff's training and professionalism. Most of her life, she has struggled with listening to, and implementing, more than one instruction at a time. And after just a few lessons, I watched her follow her instructor's three part commands. I was amazed--that's how good this staff is!!
Our daughter has been riding at Sebastian Riding Associates for over 20 years. SRA has provided her the opportunity to be part of a team. She has learned to not only ride but how to care for the horses and their environment. Being at SRA has assisted her in building confidence, improving on her verbal and social skills. It is an amazing facility for individuals with disabilities. We are thankful for all the services they provide.
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Sebastian Riding Associates in Collegeville, Pa is an amazing organization. My son has been participating in the hippotherapy program for years now and he really benefits immensely from this program. The owner and instructors take great care with their students and genuinely care about the well-being of the horses. We would highly recommend this organization to other families in the area.
My son (11yo, ASD/ADHD) has been receiving therapy for 18 months at Sebastian's and we couldn't be happier with his progress. He gears up every week without me even needing to ask. He went from never being on a horse to riding off lead. I am so proud of him and how far he's come. The staff at Sebastian's is wonderful. They all know my son and embrace him as he is.
My teen has been participating in SRA's Riding Free program which provides equine therapy for those diagnosed with PTSD. It has been a wonderful experience in which he has gained so much insight and confidence, allowing him to better manage this condition. Chris and all the other therapists are genuine and caring. And of course, the horses are wonderful! This is truly a place for healing and acceptance. It's a joy just to come here.
SRA holds a special place in our hearts. They have embraced my entire family from the start. My two children have been riding there for a few years now. I can’t begin to explain how much this place, the people and the horses have changed our lives. My son has an outlet, something just for him and he has an amazing connection with his instructor. My daughter has gained so much strength and balance. Something that would be very difficult for her in regular therapies. SRA deserves so much more recognition.
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This incredible group has provided therapy for my daughter for the past few years and now my son when he was diagnosed with a muscle issue. They both love riding. The therapy and support provided to my entire family by the wonderful individuals and horses make this nonprofit one of the best. Not only has it provided physical therapy that has much improved both of my children's physical abilities , it has provided an emotional therapy like no other, the horses are so gentle. I honestly can't say enough about this place. The volunteers/staff work endlessly to provide the best for the students/families and the horses.
Sebastian riding association is a wonderful blessing to learn how to ride a horse and learn the skills of horseback riding.
A wonderful facility, filled with caring employees and volunteers alike. It not only helped our son's physical capabilities, but his emotional and social ones as well. An AWESOME place!!!
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My son started riding with Sebastian Riding Associates when he was ten years old, on the advice of his occupational therapist. Multiple disabilities, poor attention, poor body tone, limited social skills - my son needed help! The first time he got on a horse, they put him on backwards on just a saddle pad. As the horse began to walk, I saw my son sit up straight. For the first time. The movement of the horse caused him to adjust his posture. He could barely lift the horse's hoof for cleaning, brushing was exhausting. Today, 14 years later, my son rides independently. He is stronger, more confident, and has something socially acceptable to talk about and share with others. He was able to join 4H and was even State champion in the therapeutic trail division. It has done him a world of good not only physically, but emotionally and socially as well. The people there are kind and capable, encouraging and skilled. It is a valuable resource to our community!
Our kids have both been riding here for a few years now. We love our Sebastian family both humans and horses. The way this therapy has helped both of my children is amazing. It has not only helped with balance and strength but with confidence too. I honestly can’t say just how much this place means to our family.
My daughter Emily has been riding at Sebastian's for over 5 years. I have watched her develop and grow in these years. Riding at Sebastian's has increased her confidence, agility, and core strength. Riding also provides a safe environment where she must analyze a somewhat stressful situation and make decision with immediate results . Emily's has had consistent instructors during her time which has helped her learn to trust and take direction from other adults in leadership roles. Most importantly, riding horses at Sebastian's has helped Emily create an identity that she is proud to share with her peers and family; "I ride horses", she proudly tells all who will listen. Sebastian's is a key to Emily's development and we would encourage anyone with a developmental challenged child to go see for yourself.
My daughter, Colleen who has developmental disabilities has been riding horses at
Sebastian for many years. The support and encouragement by the staff who assist her have helped improve her self esteem and physically her balance and posture. Although she cannot speak, her smile and the excitement in her eyes tell us she really loves Sebastian.
Sebastin Riding has been a dream come true for our son. The staff-especially Miss Cyndi- are the most dedicated and kind people. We hope to be a part of their family for many years to come!
Our son had nonstop therapies that were always either in a hospital or classroom setting. We really wanted to find something fun, that would feel like an extra curricular activity, but with a therapeutic benefit. We discovered Sebastian Riding Assoiciates when Connor was 3 and he absolutely loved it.
We are so appreciative of such a warm, welcoming, and caring staff who seek to combine the joy of riding with the benefit of equine therapy.
Connor is almost 14 now and still looks forward to going. To all the staff (and horses) at Sebastian, we thank you!
My daughter, Meg has experienced wonderful instruction, physical therapy (Hippotherapy), and positive socialization with Sebastian Riding Associates. Her balance, strength, and confidence have all improved thanks to being with and riding on Sebastian's gentle understanding horses. It is a great program and our family is feeling grateful it is part of Meg's life.
Starting from a very young age, my daughter Stephanie, was severely afraid of horses. That fear was quickly overcome when she was given riding lessons for a graduation present. Now, seeing her grooming, petting, and riding a beautiful creature is just the most satisfying thing to her and to me as well! The trainers and folks at Sebastian's have nothing but love and patience for the people who come to do what they love. It's a wonderful place for Stephanie to shine!
Sebastian is a wonderful program with caring staff and gentle horses that offers therapeutic riding to anyone who can benefit from it. We have attended for over 5 years and enjoyed every minute. I would highly recommend this program.
Sebastian Riding Associates is such a wonderful place with friendly, compassionate and knowledgeable instructors and volunteers. The horses are very well-trained gentle giants. My daughter suffers with severe anxiety. She had her first lesson about a year ago. She started out walking on lead and very quickly gained the confidence to walk off lead and then to trot. Because of her trust in all of the horses that she has ridden, her self-confidence is improving and her riding is progressing much faster than I thought possible. It brings me immeasurable joy to see my daughter ride these amazing horses with so much joy and confidence. Sebastian Riding Associates profoundly changes the lives of people with disabilities and those who love them and care for them. I have seen that as a volunteer(21 years ago) and also as a parent.
I have had the pleasure of volunteering at Sebastian Riding Associates Inc. with my 2 teen children. The opportunity for us to work with people with Disabilities has been amazing. In addition getting to learn about horses and work with them has been both exciting and educational for us all. The staff and other volunteers are always so welcoming and helpful in teaching us what we need to do. They also have many options for what we can do and when we can come, which is a huge benefit when having busy schedules. The families and students we see are always smiling and happy. It makes us happy when we get to see the enjoyment and fulfillment these students and families are getting there. We always leave smiling and feeling appreciative for a time we have spent volunteering.
My 14 year old daughter struggles with depression, low confidence and extreme social anxiety.
The staff & beautiful horses at SRA have given her a place to feel secure, to learn and grow.
The scholarship she received has helped her in so many ways. I cannot say enough about the program and staff! Wonderful experience....
Compassionate staff, careful safeguards, methodical processes, and lots of love.
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I don't even know where to begin. My daughter was in a fatal car accident and her son was in the car with her, suffering from PTSD, Chris from Sebastian heard about the accident and reached out to us to enroll Logan in lessons. There were so many lessons, learning for Logan to trust, the staff was impeccable, they treated Logan like he was the only one there and I saw that with other clients as well, Chris got on his level, teaching him about horses, how to brush them, clean their feet, approach them and of course ride them. This is a memory he will have for the rest of his life, thanks to their amazing hearts.
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Logan lost his mother in a horrific car accident and Sebastian took him under their wing, taught him about horses and taught him to ride. They were so patient and I could see how much they care about all they have learning to ride. There was so much love, from the moment we took Logan, so much patience for him and so much encouragement. I would recommend this facility to anyone who has PTSD or a physical issue because their love of the volunteers to the owner/operators are phenomenal.
I have been volunteering at Sebastian Riding Associates for 28 years. It is a great facility that uses horses for physical, emotional, and mental therapy. I have seen amazing results with the horses and students. The students build great relationships with their instructors, physical therapists and their equine partner. I wouldn't be there for 28 years if I didn't believe in this program.
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Sebastian Riding Associates is a great place nestled in Evansburg Park. I have seen students grow from children to adults and you can see the impact these horses, instructors, and volunteers have had on these students. As a long term volunteer and horse leader/side walker/stall cleaner/ feeder/ caretaker, it is also a great place for everyone as the therapy these great equines give us cannot be measured. Everybody has a favorite horse, but they all perform wonders in their own special way. I cannot say enough great things about Sebastian Riding Associates. It is a wonderful place.
Our nonverbal daughter spends most days sad and frustrated. On the days of her lessons, she is always excited and actually smiles. Everyone at Sebastian is so supportive and amazing, both with their riders AND their horses. Truly an amazing place!
Such an awesome place! Everyone is lifted up and encouraged here! The workers here love sharing their horsemanship skills. It's just amazing!
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Sebastian's is a welcoming and friendly place where anyone can enjoy and develop the skill of horseback riding. Students groom and tack the horse and develop great confidences. All levels of riding are taught by our staff who are trained and certified instructors. The therapeutic horseback riding is a emotionally and physically rewarding. What a great place! And the horses are awsome!
BEST CONFIDENCE BUILDING AND PHYSICALLY THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE OFFERED IN THE AREA WITHABOVE AVERAGE QUALIFIED STAFF!!!! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Sebastian Riding Associates is the epitome of caring non-profits. Everyone there loves what they do and it shows in how they work with the horses, students and each other. My daughter started in their Riding Free Program for children with PTSD. Years later she is well adjusted, loves riding horses and looking forward to giving back and working with other student at SRA. They truly are the best!
Excellent organization!! Our daughter and son both ride there for their therapy classes and they love it very much!! Everyone working/volunteering at Sebastian is kind and caring and loves what they do day in and day out!
While Kat's twin sister found her niche with multiple dance classes during the week, it's more difficult to find outside interests that Kat can pursue with her CP issues limiting her movement. Although PT appointments outside of school would be beneficial, Kat has not been that excited about going to them. However, she has been attending Hippotherapy at Sebastian for several years, on Friday evenings no less, when she is often a little tired from her busy day/week at school, yet she still starts clapping when we get to the turn for Sebastian, and she squeals and smiles when she sees her PT Janet, as well as Jenny and the other awesome volunteers that make her session safe, possible and productive. She fits in a strong PT session without even realizing she's working; sitting backward on the horse and throwing bean bags at a target are lots of fun, but she's improving her balance, strengthening her core, and stretching her tight hamstrings at the same time. This activity gives her the chance to feel special, confident and more independent while also getting to be with horses, and she loves animals, so that is especially motivating. Seeing her slender form sitting so tall and straight on top of one of the big horses, hearing her squeals of delight, and returning her proud wave as she rides her horse past me makes me feel so grateful for the family atmosphere at Sebastian Therapeutic Riding.
My soon to be 5 year old autistic daughter was just got evaluated for therapeutic horse riding. The therapist were so kind, caring and wonderful with her. She currently suffers from post traumatic stress and has separation anxiety and the therapists helped her every step to get her to stay on and to get to one point of the barn. And tears soon turned into smiles and laughter. It truly touched my heart and brought tears to my eyes. She loves horses and I truly believe the gifted therapist are going to help her with her sensory, anxiety and developmental growth. I look forward to the start of her lessons.
Our son, 6, has Cerebral Palsy due to a premature birth and is also on the Autism spectrum. He started hippotherapy with SRA this year but quickly 'graduated' to therapeutic riding because of his quick advancement. Riding has helped him with core strength, balance, and coordination along with benefiting from social interactions with the animals and staff. He gains a sense of pride and accomplishment through riding that I haven't seen through other forms of therapies. Thank you, SRA, for the great work you do for our kiddos!
My 7 year old daughter Samantha was born prematurely with arthogryposis multiplex congenita, bilateral club foot and bilateral congenital hip dislocation. We started Hippotherapy at Sebastian Riding Associates in April of this year. The experience has been phenomenal. Samantha's strength and gait has improved dramatically. Meg Kotes, PT and Cyndi MacFarland worked with Samantha and they are BEYOND WORDS! We are so grateful for all that they have done for her. Samantha also had the opportunity to ride in their "Under the Sea" horse show in mid-September and she came home with the first place ribbon! In the past week Samantha was released to therapeutic riding and she had her first lesson with Cyndi this past Monday. She loves it so much and we look forward to watching her flourish as a little equestrian!
My granddaughter was born with arthrogryposis which was a direct result of a neuromuscular disease to date is still a mystery. Arthrogryposis causes fixed joints and lack of muscle in different areas of the body. In Hannah’s case it affected her arms, hands, legs, feet, neck, speech etc. She is in a power chair and will never walk and needs constant physical therapy or she will regress. PT is something she will need her entire life.
I learned of Sebastian at my place of employment. We have a yearly program called “Touched by an Agency” where the employee can submit a non-profit organization that affected their lives in a huge, positive way. The story of Sebastian made the top 15 and was sent out company-wide which is based in the US with locations throughout the world. That is a true testament to this organization. This program is highly regarded by not only the company but by the employees as well.
I knew that this type of therapy would be helpful for Hannah Faith. In addition to the Arthrogryposis and all areas affected she was also born with club feet and a tethered spinal cord which they released at 1 year of age. The therapy on a horse would help with her core strength but it would be done in a way that wouldn’t feel like physical therapy at all. She could bond with “Galen”, her current horse and develop a relationship that has turned out to be incredible. The crew at Sebastian is, without a doubt, committed to what they do. It never ceases to amaze me how much of their time and heart they give. I admire each and every one of them.
This year my grandson who is 10 years of age, Hannah’s big brother, had to start therapy at Sebastian. They found the same strain in his muscles as Hannah only not as severe. Since we don’t know the disease we don’t know if it was late onset of if he was born with it.
Sebastian has offered an alternative to these children who through no fault of their own suffer from an incurable disability. Please help them to continue to help all of the children that benefit from their therapy.
My daughter has been riding at Sebastian's for 5 years. The horses, staff, and volunteers are wonderful, and she looks forward to going more than anything else in her life! She knows every horse, and most of the instructors, although she has her favorites (because she doesn't enjoy change, especially the unexpected). And after each lesson, she never forgets to share an apple or two for the horse, in gratitude for it's hard work with her.
Watching her in the horse show every September is a highlight of our year! She invites her cousins and grandparents, and really enjoys being in the 'limelight.' Sebastian's has given Gabi a place to experience love for animals and team work; it has taught her how to set and work toward personal goals to overcome challenges, and most of all, gives her an understanding of success, encouragement and support for herself and for others. She displays her ribbons proudly and we are ever grateful to the wonderful experience Sebastian's has brought to our family.
SRA has made a huge impact on my child's overall well being. Learning how to care for and respect horses has helped mold him into an extremely kind and gentle person. He has a great presence about him that has partially come from the confidence he acquired at SRA. He is physically stronger and more alert. The staff is wonderful. They really take the time to get to know your child and are willing to try anything to make him or her have an enjoyable experience. I can honestly say that we look forward to going every time!
My daughter has been riding at Sebastians for 24 years. Cannot say enough great things about this organization. Kind, considerate, patient, and knowledgable are just a few words to describe their staff. Treat your child to this experience. They can take a young child, talk them through their emotional beginning and start them on a journey of fun and accomplishment fulfilling their goal of a therapeutic experience! My daughter has gone for 24 years because it has been one of the most positive experiences in her life. Try it!! You will not be disappointed!!
Amy son Nick goes rides every week, he loves it. For him, it is the highlight of the week. He loves the horses and the teachers.
They are so caring and loving, they become part of your family. The opportunities to volunteer and spend quality time as a family are endless
I love volunteering as a certified instructor at Sebastian! The staff and volunteers are warm and caring with a commitment to provide top quality experiences for all riders. Lessons, goals, horse selection and instructors are specifically chosen to meet the unique needs of each rider, Sebastian doesn't have a 'one size fits all' approach for anyone. I love seeing how therapeutic riding at Sebastian improves the lives of not just the rider but the family, volunteers and staff as well.
Sebastian was recommended to me after my daughter was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. From the tour to the evaluation to the first lesson, our experience has been awesome. Great with young kids and fully focused on meeting their individualized special needs. When special needs can isolate kiddos, Sebastian Instantly felt warm and welcoming and we are thrilled to have our child there for tberapy!
Our son has been taking riding lessons at Sebastian Riding Associates for a little over a year and he loves it. The staff has been so loving and accommodating to him. They are patient with him and move at his pace, never making him uncomfortable. Such a wonderful organization!
My daughter was able to overcome a heavy challenge with the help of many gentle horses and the caring staff of Sebastian Riding Associates. This place colors the bland world with a bit of magic! Trail rides through the green woods, tucking tiny flowers into her horses mane, and stopping at the stream for the horse to drink, were some of the highlights of her therapy. For me, knowing that she was building trust and confidence was so valuable.
Our daughter has been a student at SRA for almost four years now. Given her significant ASD diagnosis (among others!), her ability to participate in typical extracurricular activities is not really an option. Her time at SRA and her time with the horses and instructors has been such a joy for her. She looks forward to her lessons and they bring a smile to her face, something we don't get to see often otherwise. The staff is among the most dedicated and caring I have ever observed. It's truly a wonderful organization spreading happiness and contentment to so many people!
My son has been taking hippotherapy lessons for the past 7 years at Sebastian. Not only does it help build/help his core muscles, hips, etc., it's something he truly enjoys, especially all the movement. The staff and volunteers care just as much about their clients as their animals. Everyone there are all well cared for and truly appreciated.
My daughter has been taking lessons for over a yr. I could not be more pleased at the staff at Sebastian Riding. They are friendly, caring and understanding of my daughter's needs. My oldest volunteers there as well. The staff has taught her how to handle the horses and how to take care of them. An excellent place for kids with all special needs.
My son took therapeutic horseback riding lessons at SRA for 8 years and I've never met more enthusiastic, dedicated, personally-invested people who work for children and adults with disabilities. The employees and regular volunteers at SRA work so hard and never ask for kudos or acknowledgments. They're a blessing to everyone they meet and help!