Overview of the SHHRC facility.

SHHRC History

Since 1972, Somerset Hills Handicapped Riding Center has endeavored to improve the quality of life for children and adults who are physically, emotionally and cognitively challenged by providing a diversified equestrian program.  SHHRC offers recreational riding instruction for individuals with disabilities, equine-assisted occupational, physical and speech therapy, otherwise known as hippotherapy, therapeutic driving, an integrated summer camp and school and vocational programs.  The facility operates six days-a-week, twelve months-a-year. 

 

SHHRC was founded by Octavia Brown on her Bedminster, New Jersey farm and was one of the first centers of its kind in the United States.  It has grown considerably from the original three horses and six riders.  In 1994, with a grant from the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, the organization was able to purchase a twelve acre farm in Oldwick, New Jersey.  SHHRC initiated a capital campaign in

1996 and began construction of the new facility in 1999.  The completed 15,000 square foot facility, consisting of a fourteen-stall stable, tack room, indoor arena, storage area, offices and education center, became fully operational in September 2000. The success of the first phase of the capital campaign, which raised $578,000, is testimony to the fact that SHHRC is a vital organization and supporters are confident in the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.

 

Since 1996 the number of riders served by SHHRC has doubled.  The expansion of SHHRC’s activities indicates that the organization is satisfying a need in the community. The significant support, both in financial contributions and volunteer commitment, SHHRC enjoys indicates that the organization also has a high approval rating in our service area.

 

Initially, SHHRC offered one program, therapeutic riding.  Therapeutic riding is a recreational program where clients participate in adaptive horseback riding lessons. The purpose of therapeutic riding is to provide physical activity and emotional benefit through the acquisition of horsemanship skills.  In the spring of 1995, the organization expanded its services to include equine-assisted physical therapy.  Today, clients have access to diversified equine programs, including: therapeutic riding, three equine-assisted therapies: physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, therapeutic driving, vaulting, an inclusive day camp, school and vocational programs.