Saddle Up!, the Williamson County-based equine therapy program for kids, is celebrating 35 years with the ground breaking on an expansion designed to meet the growing needs of children, young adults and families across Middle Tennessee.
The program provides children and young adults with disabilities the opportunity to grow, develop and thrive through therapeutic, education and recreational activities with horses.
This transformative project will create additional dedicated therapy space, including a sensory room, equine-assisted learning classroom, and therapy gym — enhancing the depth and quality of services while helping to reduce a current waitlist that can exceed two years.
The expansion will also introduce a centralized volunteer space to support the more than 300 weekly volunteers who are essential to caring for the herd and delivering programs. Together, these enhancements ensure Saddle Up! can serve more riders, strengthen families, and continue building a future where every child has access to the life-changing power of horses.
“Saddle Up! has been serving more than 500 riders each year and we have a waiting list that could be as long as a 2 year wait to get into the program,” says Tina Doniger, CEO and Executive Director of Saddle Up!. “This expansion will help us meet those needs for additional riders, while providing much needed space for our dedicated volunteers who will be better equipped and more engaged.”
The renovation includes a family-centered lobby, expanded therapy room and a multi-sensory room which will provide a calming space for children and adults. The lobby will provide accessible family restrooms with adult-compatible changing table as well as a sibling play area. A private meeting space for instructors, therapists and families is also part of the renovation.
The Volunteer lounge and training room will feature lockers, boot wash and break room along with restrooms and showers. Saddle Up! is fortunate to have more than 300 weekly volunteers who are essential to the program.
For more information, call 615-794-1150 or visit www.saddleupnashville.org.
