Sebastian Riding Associates is a private nonprofit community based organization chartered to administer, develop and promote therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities.

Description:
Sebastian's therapeutic program includes children and adults with a wide range of disabilities including cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, autism and visual impairment. Sebastian's staff of physical therapists and instructors use horses as the primary tool to meet the needs of people with physical, emotional, cognitive and communication difficulties.
Offering much more than the traditional riding program, Sebastian strives to achieve physical development, socialization and learning through fun activities. In addition to grooming and tacking their mounts, students play games on horseback using a variety of tools, toys, props and music. Sebastian Riding Associates is located on 27 acres in Evansburg State Park, leased from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. With an indoor heated arena and lighted outdoor riding ring, the program operates 7 days a week year-round.

History:
Established in 1975, Sebastian began as an outgrowth of a successful pilot program at the Ken Crest Residential Center in Mt. Clair, PA. The name "Sebastian" honors the first horse used in the program, "Johann Sebastian Bach."
In 1976, Sebastian moved to its current location in Evansburg State Park in Collegeville, PA. The facility was leased by the Philadelphia Association of Retarded Citizens and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. PARC generously donated the facility to Sebastian for use as a therapeutic riding center. In 1981, Sebastian's board of directors officially obtained the property lease from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in order to ensure the continued stability and expansion of the program. With the support of the DCNR, Sebastian continues to improve on the property.

Contact person: Jenny Dec, Associate Program Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (610) 831-9079

Address:

3589 Water Street Rd Collegeville, PA 19426 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.sebastianriding.org

Directions:

Sebastian is located in the Collegeville/Evansburg area, west of Philadelphia. Driving directions are available through a link on the website. For maps or information, please see http://www.septa.com/

Miscellaneous Information

Are court referrals welcomed?
	Yes