Special Equestrians

Special Equestrians, Inc. is a United Way Partner Agency which provides equine assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. Special Equestrians is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt public charity that is solely supported by contributions from individuals, corporations, civic organizations, private grants, and service fees. One hundred (100%) of all contributions goes directly to the support of the program. As a volunteer-run self-administrative organization, Special Equestrians could not exist without volunteers and the support of the community.

Established in 1987 with borrowed horses, Special Equestrians serves children and adults with disabilities from Lee, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades Counties in Southwest Florida. Special Equestrians’ facility, purchased in 2007, is located at 5121 Staley Road in Fort Myers, Florida. The 14.5 acre farm is a welcoming and versatile home for Special Equestrians with a twelve stall barn for our horses, a hay and equipment barn, a riding arena, caretaker quarters and office space.

In the fall of 2007, a 100’ x 200’ Metal Cover was added to the riding arena area, to provide a safer and more comfortable environment for our participants, volunteers, instructors, and horses. This roof structure provides a safe area to congregate, out of the heat and rain. Its concrete walkways provide a safe traverse through the viewing area and on to the mounting ramp.

In 2009, a sensory integration trail was built, as a partnership project with Florida Gulf Coast University Students, on the Special Equestrians property. While riding on the Sensory Integration Trail, our participants experience 20 different activity and obstacle stations. The wooded setting provides a unique and exciting addition to the program classes offered at Special Equestrians.