Sonrisas Trails Therapeutic Riding

General information

Who are we?
Sonrisas is a secular, non-profit 501c(3) organization. We were created in 1983 as a project of the Junior League. Since1987, we have become incorporated, elected a Board of Directors consisting of five active local leaders, built an extensive permanent facility, and trained and employed professional instructors.

What do we do?
Sonrisas offers therapeutic horseback riding to those with physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

What do we charge?
We charge nothing for our services. We are the only local therapeutic riding center that does not charge, and one of a very few number in Texas and nationally that does not charge for services.

Who do we serve?
We serve over 75 riders each semester with emotional, physical, and/or mental challenges. All of our riders are challenged; we are the only local therapeutic riding center with this sole population. Our riders have a myriad of challenges, including sight and/or hearing impairments, ADD, ADHD, Spina bifida, speech-language delay, MS, Lou Gherig's Disease, MD, Cerebral Palsy, Downs Syndrome, emotional and behavioral disorders, and mental retardation.

Who do we employ?
We employ a stock manager, three NARHA-certified riding instructors, and an Executive Director, for a paid staff of five, four of which are part-time. In addition to our paid staff, volunteers are the core of our program.

How are we funded?
We are funded by private and corporate donations as well as fundraisers. See below for donation information.

What are our future goals?
We would like to add hippotherapy to the services we offer. Hippotherapy is different than therapeutic riding in that a certified occupational, physical, speech, or psychotherapist must facilitate the sessions.

Where do we get our riders?
Currently, our riders come from SAISD schools, including the PPCD (preschool program for children with disabilities) programs. We also receive riders from the Small Schools Cooperative and their Kids Helping Kids program provides assistance where needed. When we expand to hippotherapy, those who need specialized physical, occupational, psycho, or speech therapies will also be included in our program.