SMART Purchases Draft Horse and Carriage with Funds Provided by the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation

The Sarasota Manatee Association for Riding Therapy, Inc. (SMART) is thrilled to announce the arrival of our new draft horse, Gallagher, and the purchase of a new Portia Marathon Carriage – both made possible by a generous grant from the Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation.

“We are extremely grateful to the Barancik Foundation for making it possible for SMART to extend its carriage driving program opening the world of horses to those who may be unable to participate in our therapeutic riding program.  Gallagher has the perfect temperament for a therapy horse and is an experienced driving horse.  We are excited to see him assume his important role at SMART,” said Melissa Spillenkothen, Board Member and Interim Executive Director.

SMART’s therapeutic carriage driving program challenges our drivers physically, cognitively and emotionally.  We see results where drivers improve their balance and muscular strength, develop trusting relationships with other drivers and their team of volunteers, and enhance their ability to communicate clearly.  We’ve heard from parents that:

• “SMART provides a safe, effective, happy place…a time to be proud of herself”
• “I can’t say enough positive things about how much progress he has made physically and emotionally”
• “She is fast becoming more comfortable speaking for herself”
• “There is a magic at SMART.  All the children fortunate enough to attend will always benefit in many ways.”

Gallagher’s addition to the therapeutic carriage driving will help ensure that no one is left out from the positive effects of equine therapy.

The program depends on a strong and patient horse pulling a carriage specifically adapted to serve in all conditions.  Sterling, our 23 year old Percheron, is reaching the age of retirement from the carriage program.  He will still be involved in other SMART programs but we needed to plan for his successor.  And, we have found him. 

Gallagher, an 8 year old draft cross, will step into this position. He is patient and easy to love, key ingredients to forming the human/horse bond that is the foundation of our equine programs.  Paired with the new marathon carriage, Gallagher will allow us to introduce more drivers to the visible benefits of therapeutic carriage driving.