Thankful Tuesday: Southern DE Therapeutic Riding

MILTON, Del. - Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding has a new program to give those who have served their country another way to keep serving their communities. Veterans can now saddle up or help out at the farm. 

SDTR trains horses like Sol to take people of all ages on the ride of their lives.

"It's a partner that doesn't judge you," says program director Kelly Boyer. "They help you to heal."

Now the nonprofit is tailoring its therapeutic approach for veterans.

"This is a great platform for them to come together and have that camaraderie," says Veteran Outreach Coordinator Dawn E. Peet CMSGT (RET).

Not only does it give veterans a new form of service, Peet says the farm gives them a healthy, wide open environment that's full of fresh air.

"Some of our veterans have had lung damage from fire pits in Afghanistan and Iraq and so they can't go into smoky environments," Peet says. "Some suffer with PTSD where they self-sooth with alcohol, so some of them should not be in places where they serve alcohol."

Through the program veteran are able to connect with horses and they're able to practice their coordination, but the veterans are able to give something to the program in return.

"Through working on the property and maybe through mowing grass," Boyer says. "It may be through cleaning stalls. It may be through working and riding the horses."

Boyer says there are opportunities for veterans of all abilities through administrative assistance, fundraising and community outreach. A game night is planned for veterans in February along with two to three free educational events a year.

"We also are looking forward to working with the weekend warrior program when they will be in Rehoboth in April of 2022," Boyer says. "We're going to host a family fun day at the farm."

Community Relations Associate Tim Ferry is confident SDTR will eventually become a prominent veteran's program in the community.

"The therapeutic approach here, whether you are a participant or you are a volunteer, really has a lasting effect on people," Ferry says. "I really see people coming back."

Click here to donate to SDTR for Giving Tuesday. 

Click here for the rider interest form.