Q.  What types of students ride?

A.  Currently STRP works with a wide range of people with special needs. Listed below are a few of the disabilities we see: 

- Cerebral Palsy
- Downs Syndrome
- Stroke
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Congenital Birth Defects
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Autism
- Developmental Delays
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Hearing & Visual Disabilities

All riders must have a doctor's release & be evaluated by STRP therapist before entering the program. STRP reserves the right to decline any student that we feel would be outside our abilities to ride safely or who we believe riding is contraindicated.

Q. Where do your students come from?

A. Our students come primarily from the Sudbury and surrounding areas. While the majority of our students come to us as individuals, we also enjoy partnering with outside agencies. Doctors, therapists and educators frequently refer students to STRP. 

Q. How do you keep the students on the horse?

A. Once a student is evaluated we may have up to 3 volunteers to assist each student. Volunteers will assist by leading the horse or by walking along side the rider on either side of them to enable the rider to sit astride the horse. Volunteers assist the student as much or as little as needed guided by our qualified instructors.

Q. How many volunteers help at STRP?

A. Up to 30 volunteers help in the riding arena with Riders on a regular or substitute basis. Many others help with Special Events and Fundraising efforts. Many of our volunteers have been active with STRP for many years now. Whether we have brand new volunteer or an old friend – we can’t operate without our dedicated volunteers. We are always looking for more volunteers to help in many areas. Please see the "How Can I Help" linK.

Q. Where do you get your horses?

A. The majority of horses are purchased after intensive looking, and some are donated to STRP. All horses must go through an intensive screening process. The horses that remain with the program have these common traits:
 

- Physically Sound and Healthy
- Calm and Gentle
- Smooth Gait
- Well Trained or Easily Trained
- Like People and eager to Please

Q. How are you funded?

A. Our program is funded through personal donations and our own fundraising efforts. Our riders pay a small membership fee at the beginning of each season. With our generous Sponsors we can keep our costs to a minimum. The program through individual donations, grants and fundraising efforts, absorbs the true cost for all students. No Rider will be turned away due to financial restraints and STRP will make arrangements for those who cannot afford to pay the already low fee. We are deeply grateful to the individuals and community groups who assist STRP with the necessary funding to make this program affordable and accessible to those who need it.