Rider Scholarships

Child and Horse It is our goal at SMART to be able to provide our services to all eligible individuals in need of the benefits of therapeutic riding, regardless of their financial situation. Currently, the Program Fees collected amount to less than 10% of our total revenues. SMART charges a nominal fee of $25 per lesson, but no one is ever turned away. A sliding scale fee is also offered, but the reality is that over 60% of our families are unable to contribute anything toward their lesson fees.

That is why it is so important that we constantly seek funding to support our program and our participants.

By contributing to our Rider Scholarship program, or "Sponsoring a Rider" for one year at $875, you will help to cover the costs of weekly therapeutic riding lessons for our SMART Riders.



Thank you to the following organizations, foundations, and individuals for supporting our SMART Riders through their generous gifts to the Scholarship Fund!

  • Green Family Foundation


  • Jerome & Mildred Paddock Foundation


  • American Quarter Horse Foundation


  • Manasota BUDS


  • Taylor Family Foundation


  • Ruth M. Foy Charitable Foundation


  • Manatee Memorial Hospital Foundation/Auxiliary


  • Enterprise Holdings Foundation


  • Knights of Columbus, Council 12155, Parrish


  • Cassidy Family Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation


  • Scheidel Family Foundation


  • MGN Family Foundation - Horses for Heroes Scholarships


  • MSC Foundation – Horses for Heroes Scholarships


  • Janie Dean Charitable Foundation - Literacy Scholarships


  • Lakewood Ranch Community Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation