SIRE, Houston's Therapeutic Equestrian Centers

Last updated on August 10, 2008

SIRE's mission is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through horseback riding and related therapeutic activities.

Description:
SIRE provides therapeutic horseback riding, vaulting, driving and hippotherapy for people with disabilities age 3 to adult at 3 locations in the greater Houston area. Volunteers are a vital part of the program with some clients requiring the help of 3 volunteers, a horse leader and 2 sidewalkers,in order to ride. This unique form of therapy is not just a pony ride. Therapeutic riding has been shown to improve fine and gross motor skills, enhance balance and posture, build self-esteem and it all happens in a most enjoyable way!

History:
SIRE (which stands for Self-Improvement thru Riding Education) was incorporated in 1983 and started with 4 clients and 2 ponies operating out of a public stables with classes one afternoon a week. SIRE moved to several other locations until 1995 when the donation of a 6 acre horse farm gave us a home of our own. We now serve over 180 clients per week, have classes 6 days per week with the help of over 240 volunteers at our 3 sites, Hockley, Spring and Ft. Bend County. SIRE is a premier accredited program with NARHA, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association.

Contact people:

Peggy Wagner, Volunteer Manager, (phone), (email)
Maryann Gerity, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)
Penny Kvello, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (281) 356-9462

Address:

24161 Spring Dr.
Hockley, TX 77447
(See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sire-htec.org

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