Sip and Saddle

Lakewood Ranch Women’s Club members visited Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy (SMART) on Monday, March 28. The morning site visit began with a hayride to meet Dan, a SMART client who is training for dressage despite being physically challenged from a stroke many years ago that cost him use of his left side. The members were inspired by Dan’s courageous spirit and his goal to compete in the next Paralympics.

After the meeting with Dan, SMART treated the groujp to a light brunch complete with mimosas. After brunch, LWRWC presented SMART with a $150 donation check as well as in-kind donations and treats for the SMART horses.

LWRWC is very proud to sponsor two horses; a horse named Norman, and a beautiful 16-hand bay quarter horse with no eyes named Magic, who learned to function flawlessly despite being blind. Magic helps SMART Riders overcome their own daunting challenges and serves as an inspiration to Autistic children, who often have trouble making eye contact, but find it easy to bond with the horse without eyes.

SMART is located at 4640 CR 675 E. Bradenton, Florida, on a beautiful 23-acre equestrian facility. LWRWC is a proud supporter of SMART, a primarily volunteer 501(c)(3) tax deductible organization since 1987, that fills a crucial need for effective educational and therapeutic programs for children (ages 5 and over) and adults with a wide range of physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.