October 8, 2019 by Brooke Butler

MILTON, Del. – In Milton, Delaware, something incredible is happening.

Every day, people visit Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding to reconnect and realign.

Natalie Garbutt, an instructor said, “It’s therapeutic emotionally and physically.”

For some, horse back riding helps build up core strength. At the same time, it provides a sense of emotional relief.

Garbutt said, “Working with a horse is a lot less intimidating then working with another person so you’re getting that team work socialization aspect but with an animal.”

Training with a horse teaches riders friendship and team work.

Garbutt said, “You are not just riding, you are working with them when you are riding, so it’s that team mentality that’s really great.”

None of this would be possible without SDTR’s unique arena.

Garbutt said, “All those tools in there, all those toys, they do serve a purpose encouraging riders to improve their fine motor movement. Grasping things, reaching, stretching, just something like shooting a basketball off the back of a horse, that’s a lot of core strength involved there.”

All of the horses at SDTR are hand selected and some of them have pretty impressive backgrounds.

Garbutt said, “A lot of the horses we have, they have past jobs or careers if you will. Leon here, he used to be a show horse. A lot of our horses that we have used to be show horses trail horses race horses.”

More impressive than the horses, perhaps, are the volunteers and instructors who selflessly donate their time to better the lives of others…but these instructors say that seeing the change in their riders make all of their hard work and dedication worth it.

Garbutt said, “To me, that translation to their life outside of the barn where they can see the benefits, to me, that is the biggest reward.”

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding will be hosting a Barn Dance on October 19th to help them raise money so they can continue providing therapeutic services.

They will also be hosting an Open House on October 12th where people can learn how to volunteer or even become a rider themselves.

Watch the video here!

A very big thank you to Bryn and John Burke who graciously invited us to use their beautiful home to help celebrate our wonderful volunteers!

With stunning views, and beautiful weather, SDTR volunteers and Board Members enjoyed delicious food by Mermaid Kitchen, burgers and hot dogs grilled by our Board President Scott Swingle, and lots of laughs and good times.

Volunteers were gifted canvas tote bags, with the SDTR logo, to thank them for all they do.

We are so incredibly thankful for each and everyone of our volunteers! We wouldn't be able to do any of it without your compassion and selfless dedication to SDTR. We appreciate all that you do to help improve lives one stride at a time!

Can you believe it’s almost that time again! Our 4th Annual Barn Dance planning is underway, and it is going to be bigger and better this year!

This year’s menu, once again provided by Whole Roast, will include tender, slow roasted brisket, half chicken and those delicious sides! We are also including a dessert bar, with all your favorite home baked pies and treats! Our Bourbon Bar, always a popular stop, will host another great selection of bourbon for your discriminating palate!

The Mason Dixon Band will be this year’s entertainment, they are great guys, who bring a lot of energy to the room and always have the dance floor packed! Speaking of dance floors, we heard you and this year – a BIGGER dance floor will be available! Also, the ever popular line dance instructions! To make the evening even more fun, we have added…………wait for it………Mechanical Bull Riding! That’s right; we have rented a mechanical bull to make your evening even more entertaining! Ever wanted to try it, well here is your chance!

Tickets go on sale in September and are $45 per person!