ABOUT GIVE BACK FOR SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS

Aren’t we a lucky bunch? To know the sound of a whinny, the feel of a satin coat, the gaze of soulful eyes and the ability to ride and let our worries drift away? As a horse owner, you know as well as anybody, that riding is a way to clear your mind, lift your spirits and exercise your body. For those in our communities with physical, developmental or emotional disabilities, horseback riding can be especially rewarding, improving balance, muscle tone, confidence and self-esteem.

In May, 2013 a group of equine enthusiasts, led by Led by Sissy DeMaria, Isabel Ernst, and Dr. Heather Kuhl, who were inspired by the power of horses and ponies to heal bodies, minds and spirits banded together in a grass roots fundraising initiative. They formed Give a Buck for Special Equestrians, in Vero Beach, to support Special Equestrians of the Treasure Coast, a local nonprofit organization which provides therapeutic riding programs for children and adults with disabilities. Since then, Give a Buck for Special Equestrians has changed its name to Give Back for Special Equestrians and expanded throughout the eastern seaboard.

Give Back for Special Equestrians is a Wellington, Florida based-nonprofit 501©3. Give Back for Special Equestrians is an all volunteer organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted scholarships for children and veterans with disabilities. We do this by raising funds through our signature fundraisers at premier equestrian events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival, Hampton Classic and by partnering with benevolent corporations who appreciate the need for this life changing therapy and are willing to help make the difference in the lives of those facing some of life’s most difficult challenges. Give Back also raises money through merchandise sales at area tack stores and at horse shows.

Our volunteers are passionate about giving back and setting an example for today’s young and often privileged youth riders by extolling the virtues of giving back through our Young Ambassador Program.

Led by Isabel Ernst, the Young Ambassadors children and teens ages 7-17 are the backbone of the organization providing ongoing support through hands on volunteering, fundraising, “friend” raising, and drawing awareness to the charity’s mission.

“Inspired by horse power that heals”

Our Mission

Give Back for Special Equestrians provides scholarships for therapeutic horseback riding and equine assisted therapy for children and veterans with physical and emotional disabilities, while also nurturing young equestrians in the value of giving back.

Our Vision

Give Back for Special Equestrians strives to provide access to the healing power of the horse to individuals dealing with physical and emotional disabilities.