Thank you for attending our “Savor, Sip, & Saddle Up” Gala

We are Heroes on Horseback, and this is why we work together:

 For Veterans, Active Military, and Emergency Responders who have in many ways changed because of their service and experienced physical or emotional challenges. They find connection, comfort, and companionship in a non-threatening relationship with an empathetic horse, and they often find the courage to take those learned skills of trust and communication back into their daily lives and personal relationships.

 For Differently Abled Adults who have any of a wide range of physical or mental challenges for which the horse is appropriate therapy. The horse, that mystical being who knows the heart of humans and never judges, wants only to become one with the rider. Those whose seat is uncertain, whose balance is faulty, whose muscle control is tentative, find that the special horses in this program know how to accommodate and gently correct.

 For the Teens and Tweens who have ridden, in some cases for years, in our programs.  They have achieved enough in the way of experience to be able to ride largely independently, for their own protection and that of the volunteers who oversee their riding activities. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments, to see the hard work of years of riding result in their confidence and independence.

 For a handful of “Littles”, Future Special Olympians, whose parents supplement their home schooling or after school activities by helping them to learn horseback riding skills. We thank our parents here for literally being hands-on participants in order to make this safely possible.

 For those we call our “Silver Saddles” - Senior Riders rediscovering (or beginning to learn) riding skills and the healthy benefits of staying active and enjoying the clean, fresh, outdoor air. For these lucky folk, the horse is a personal trainer and gym in one, helping to deal with the challenges of an aging body and mind.

 For the Staff and Volunteers, who have been on the job daily, in spite of the challenges and restrictions, to ensure that Heroes on Horseback survives this COVID hurdle and thrives as the program known as the largest and best therapeutic riding program in the State of South Carolina.

Who We Are and What We Do