Southern Delaware Therapeutic & Recreational Horseback Riding, Inc.

The Mission of Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) is to improve the physical and emotional well-being of individuals living with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted services in a supportive environment for participants and families.

SDTR is dedicated to improving the well-being of individuals with neurological, physical and cognitive disabilities through our equine-assisted services. Our PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International) certified instructors and trained volunteers are passionate about working with participants AND our four-legged therapists, through mounted and unmounted sessions. SDTR is a 501(c)(3), non-profit, PATH premier accredited center located in Sussex County, Delaware. Since 1988, we’re honored to have served over ________ participants, tirelessly committed to enriching their lives.

What we do:

Provide a safe and supportive environment for participants and their families.

Maintain high quality, focused equine-assisted programs.

Carefully select and train our therapy horses to effectively partner with participants.

Match each horse’s individual personality and skill set with each unique participant to help form a bond.

Expand our therapeutic offerings to populations such as veterans, seniors and other individuals facing challenges, tailoring the program to their specific needs.

Most importantly, we keep our sessions upbeat, engaging and fun for all!

Our Impact

At SDTR, impact begins with belonging. Our participants, individuals who often face physical, cognitive, or social barriers, discover new possibilities the moment they connect with a horse. They experience freedom, confidence, and a sense of being at the center of something meaningful.

What happens here does not stay in the arena. The strength, skills, and self‑assurance developed through our equine‑assisted programs carry into daily life, empowering participants to navigate their world with greater independence, joy, and connection. SDTR is more than a therapeutic program; it is a community where every individual is supported, celebrated, and given space to thrive.