SARI THERAPEUTIC RIDING WINS 2024 SPIRIT AWARD
ARVA, ONT.-BASED ORGANIZATION CHANGES LIVES THROUGH EQUINE THERAPY

Above Photo: 2024 SARI ambassador Maddy with volunteers. Photo: SARI Therapeutic Riding.

February 4, 2025 (London, ONT) — LondonOntarioSports.com, London’s Trusted Source for Sports News & Information, announces SARI Therapeutic Riding as winner of its 2024 Community Spirit Award.

The Spirit Award recognizes Southwestern Ontario individuals or groups who change and better the lives of others through sports, leisure and recreation. It’s the third major award presented by LondonOntarioSports.com. The London Ontario Golf Heart Award (est. 2011) is presented to a member of the local golf community who gives back to golf while growing the game. The Jeffrey Reed Courage Award (est. 2015) honours a local athlete who inspires others with their courage on and off the playing field.

(L-R) LondonOntarioSports.com publisher and editor Jeffrey Reed, SARI executive director Lisa Citton-Battel, Elizabeth Reed.

“There are endless stories of how members of the Southwestern Ontario community work tirelessly to better the lives of others through sports, leisure-time activities and recreation,” explained LondonOntarioSports.com publisher and editor Jeffrey Reed. “Those heroes include athletes, coaches and administrators, trainers and staff members, as well as teachers and volunteers. The LondonOntarioSports.com Community Spirit Award now honours those amazing community leaders for their invaluable dedication to changing the lives of people whom they assist on a daily basis. We are thrilled to be honouring SARI Therapeutic Riding as our inaugural winner. Congratulations!”

SARI Therapeutic Riding, founded in 1978 by Syd and Jeanne Greenberg, is a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through the therapeutic power of horses. Created in memory of their daughter Sari, who was born with Down Syndrome and who passed away as a teenager, the organization began with a couple of horses and a few students. Today, SARI has grown into a 13.2-acre facility, serving over 350 participants annually with the help of 250 weekly volunteers and a herd of 20-plus horses. SARI continues to honour Sari’s legacy by fostering inclusion, independence and personal growth through meaningful equine connections.

“SARI exists to provide therapeutic experiences for disabled individuals in our community,” explained SARI Executive Director Lisa Citton-Battel. “We have an occupational therapist on staff, and we work very closely with physiotherapists and speech language pathologists to cater individual programming to each of our participants.”

Citton-Battel explained, once a participant has applied to SARI’s programs, they are then assessed and go through an intake process with one of SARI’s therapists who determines the amount of support they will need on the horse, as well as the type and size of horse, and the proper movement of a horse. A therapy team arrives at specific goals – for example physical goals including improved balance, and cognitive goals including improved simple language skills. Instructors, riders and families are all involved in the process in order to meet those goals at an appropriate rate.

Hypotherapy – physical, occupational and speech therapy in which a therapist uses the characteristic movements of a horse to provide carefully-graded motor and sensory input – is a key element of SARI’s Therapeutic Riding offerings. In addition, SARI’s Grooming Program promotes social interaction by bringing people and equines together in mutually beneficial ways. Participants enjoy grooming horses using a variety of tools, learning horsemanship skills through their connection with the horse, and even participate in leading the horse. The Grooming Program is an opportunity for participants who may be deemed unsafe to ride, or who prefer to interact with horses on the ground.

Little Britches is an opportunity for children to participate in a monthly pony club at SARI. This integrated program is open to children with and without special needs. Participants enjoy a fun-filled half-day program of crafts, games, songs, horsemanship, a pony ride and more. SARI also offers its Summer Camp program, an integrated farm discovery summer camp offered weekly for children 6-18 with and without special needs.

Beyond the Saddle is a weekly program for adults 18+ with special needs. This non-mounted horsemanship program combines horsemanship and life skills development in a supportive, hands-on environment. Participants engage in groundwork with horses, learning skills such as grooming and leading, and understanding equine behaviour. In addition, the program incorporates practical life skills like cooking, gardening and educational activities while encouraging personal growth, confidence and independence.

And SARI’s Equine Experience Program for Seniors 55+ offers a uniquely-tailored immersive encounter with SARI’s herd of horses. Seniors of all abilities benefit from social interaction, a stimulating farm environment and a beautiful outdoor setting, creating a bond with large sentient animals and meeting new people. Experiences may include a video presentation, tour, horse demonstration and horse grooming. Benefits of this program may include fostering a bond between equines and humans, promoting independence, reduced isolation, increased involvement in the community, and cognitive, social and physical health improvements.

Stephanie is SARI’s 2025 Ambassador Rider. A 14-year-old teen with a heart full of joy and determination, she was diagnosed with CFC Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder, and faces daily challenges. Yet as Stephanie’s mother, Beverly, explains, her daughter’s life has changed through SARI’s equine therapy.

“Stephanie started riding at SARI three years ago, following her Epilepsy diagnosis. Her occupational therapist recommended riding to help with muscle tone, walking, socializing and endurance. Her first ride was nothing short of a miracle! Stephanie was sitting taller and more confidently than I had ever seen before, beaming joyfully.

“Stephanie’s bond with her SARI horse, Ace, is truly magical,” Beverly said. “On tough days, Ace provides a sense of calm and energy, and Stephanie can tap into the strength they share. This unspoken connection has made an incredible difference in her life. Stephanie’s journey at SARI has given her a sense of belonging, pride and joy. We are deeply grateful for the support of our donors, volunteers, staff, and horses who make SARI the heartbeat of Stephanie’s world.”

“SARI is truly honored to receive the inaugural Community Spirit Award from LondonOntarioSports.com,” said Citton-Battel. “This recognition reflects the incredible spirit of our dedicated staff, volunteers, participants and their families. Our core values of inclusivity, collaboration, dedication and passion drive us to foster a community where everyone feels supported and valued. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for this award and commit to continuing to earn it each day.”

LondonOntarioSports.com presents SARI Therapeutic Riding with the Community Spirit Award at the publication’s awards luncheon Friday, May 2 at Greenhills Country Club. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at LondonOntarioSports.com.

For more information and high-res images, please contact:
Jeffrey Reed, Publisher & Editor, LondonOntarioSports.com 519/643-6334 jeff@londonontariosports.com
Lisa Citton-Battel, Executive Director, SARI Therapeutic Riding 519/666-1123 executivedirector@sari.ca

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About LondonOntarioSports.com
LondonOntarioSports.com (est. 2015), London’s Trusted Source for Sports News & Information, is a project from publisher and editor Jeffrey Reed, a member of the Canadian sports media since 1980 and an award-winning print and broadcast journalist. Along with partner publication LondonOntarioGolf.com (est. 2004), the Voice of Golf in Southwestern Ontario, LondonOntarioSports.com has surpassed $150,000 in local charitable giving.