SMART hopes to build covered arena in East Manatee to continue lessons during summer

MANATEE -- Lupe Sosa has seen first hand how therapeutic horseback riding can benefit someone with a disability.

Her 26-year-old daughter, Paloma, who has autism, rides the horse Sterling every Saturday at Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, commonly known as SMART.

"It has given her a life," Sosa said. "She looks forward to her Saturday morning with the horse. She looks forward to being with the instructors who are like family."

When she began at the East Manatee nonprofit a little more than 10 years ago, Paloma had a problem with her balance, but being up on the horse has not only helped her balance herself

but has also taught her to be patient and how to take instructions, Sosa said.

"There is a whole realm of skills that are learned with this program," she said.

As a way to expand its reach in Manatee and Sarasota counties, SMART, 4640 County Road 675, Bradenton, is having its third annual Mint Juleps and Roses Derby Day event on Saturday, the nonprofit's signature fundraising event, said Sosa, the event's chair.

"We are really, really excited to be able to have this signature fundraiser," Sosa said of the event which coincides with the Kentucky Derby.

Saturday's event, which is almost sold out, begins at 5 p.m. and costs $75, which goes directly back into the program. The ticket includes food, live music and other activities during the event.

"It offers us an opportunity to showcase our horses, our venue and also our riders," Sosa said. "It's like a derby party unlike any other."

Last year's event raised $70,000 and the nonprofit is hoping to raise $90,000 at this year's fundraiser, Sosa said, adding that many of the riders are on a scholarship.

The nonprofit is also having a capital campaign called Cover Our Kids to raise money for a covered arena, which will allow SMART to have lessons in inclement weather, as well as during the summer. Currently, the program is closed from July to mid-September due to the heat and rain, according to Gail Clifton, SMART executive director.

"The construction of the covered arena will allow us to provide year-round services to all of our participants as well as provide a safe place for riding therapy for all those who are sensitive to heat and bugs, have difficulty regulating body temperature and who are sensitive to sun exposure," she said.

SMART helps emotionally, physically and socially disabled people by having them connect with the horses, Sosa said.

"It's really magical to see," she said. "The connection with an animal we all know it's real. When a child can mount a horse like that it gives them an empowerment unlike any other. It gives them confidence."

For information, call SMART at 941-322-2000 or visit smartriders.org.

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter @Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published May 2, 2016 at 11:31 PM with the headline "SMART hopes to build covered arena in East Manatee to continue lessons during summer ."