Our Facility
A Facility Designed Especially for Special Needs
Upon arrival at SMILES, families and visitors are welcomed with a convenient and spacious paved parking area, car port, and automatic doors. Parents and visitors are invited to relax in our viewing area and to observe the progress and successes of their participant. The doorways, flooring surfaces, and restrooms in our facility have been designed to accommodate those with wheelchairs or limited mobility.
Our facility provides multiple areas for equine assisted activities. Our indoor area with geo-thermal climate control allows classes to be offered year round. Our outdoor area provides an alternate location for riding during the loveliest of rural days. Riders with sensory integration concerns can benefit from a riding experience in our outdoor Sensory Trail (they will find many unexpected and intriguing activities and sensory experiences there!) Our Sensory Garden provides a unique location for client enjoyment, volunteer rejuvenation, un-mounted activities, and much needed respite for caregivers.
Safety and comfort are key concerns during equine assisted activities at SMILES. Both a block mount and wheelchair ramp mount are available to assist our riders during the mounting process. A critical piece of equipment, the SureHands Lift system, is also available to clients who have the greatest physical impairments. Specialized equipment and methods used during classes include: the presence of side walkers, safety stirrups, gait belts, specialized reins with grip options, and bolsters for added positioning on the horse. SMILES takes great care to match our riders with the saddle and horse best suited to their needs. Currently SMILES owns over 30 saddles and houses over 20 horses.
SMILES is proud to hold accreditation as a Premier Riding Center with PATH International (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship), assuring the highest of standards for safety, curriculum, facilities, equipment, and record keeping. Look for this distinguished recognition as you choose a riding facility for the very special needs of someone in your life.