Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) improves the lives of children and adults with physical, social, and mental health needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs. From very humble beginnings, serving four children with disabilities, with four volunteers and two borrowed horses on a borrowed field, NTRC has grown to now serve more than 100 therapeutic riders (the majority of whom are children under the age of 18) with a core group of volunteers and instructors.
Additionally, NTRC’s group programs (equine-facilitated psychotherapy and equine-facilitated learning) currently serve more than 500 participants each year. Geared primarily towards mental, emotional, and behavioral health needs and delivered as either mounted or unmounted programs, these programs serve as an important resource to the community. Serving individuals with PTSD due to trauma and violence, children who have lost a loved one, those struggling with addiction, homeless youth, and those diagnosed with mental health issues- NTRC’s programs help them on their path to healing.
The Soukup Strategic Solutions grants team is honored partner with NTRC as they achieve their fundraising goals. Most recently, Soukup Strategic Solutions was able to secure support that will provide funding for the care and maintenance of NTRC”s 14 horses. Helping to cover hay, feed, supplements, dental and veterinary care, etc., this support is critical as the horses average approximately 9,000 contact hours annually. In addition, Soukup Strategic Solutions was also able to secure funding to support therapeutic riding scholarships for NTRC participants. These scholarships help alleviate financial barriers that may prevent low-income families from accessing NTRC’s services. With this support 110 lessons will be provided at no cost to individuals who are unable to afford the weekly lessons. We look forward to another year of partnership with an organization delivering such meaningful work to the community.