Saddle Rock Ranch
Set on an 1812 historic property, Saddle Rock Ranch has the warmth and charm of a country farm. Add to that, the warm smiles of our staff, boarders and program participants and you have an atmosphere that's ideal for enjoyment and learning.
Saddle Rock Ranch hosted their first annual Community Therapeutic Riding Horse show on May 1, 2010. The weather was amazing, with blue skies and sunshine, and the riders were equally amazing. Twenty-five students participated while family and friends looked on. Each rider rode their favorite horse in two classes - an equitation and an obstacle course. Under the guidance of their instructors students showed off their skills, performing everything from a beautifully executed right turn to a well-balanced two-point trot over poles. Each demonstration was topped off with a presentation of a blue ribbon for each class as every rider was a winner! Special thanks should go to our Therapeutic Riding Instructors and coordinators who worked very hard on our program, as well as the many volunteers who donate their time and much energy.
Operated by Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. since 2004, the ranch offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to experience Equestrian Activities, including therapeutic riding lessons and equine care in a safe and comfortable environment. In addition, Saddle Rock's varied Day Services give adults with developmental and emotional challenges the chance to learn agricultural skills, small and large animal care and skills associated with operating a bed and breakfast.
For more information, please call:
Equestrian Activities and Volunteering - Ranch Office: 631-205-0432
About the Ranch
Saddle Rock Ranch is a 15-acre working ranch, housing horses and other farm animals. The ranch features a heated indoor riding arena, barns, farmhouse, pond, greenhouse and garden. FREE's residential, day and community services program participants take advantage of the surroundings and experiences inherent in the ranch.
OPTS Day Services
Saddle Rock Ranch offers several programs certified by the Options for People Through Services (OPTS) initiative of the New York State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities: group and supplemental day habilitation, prevocational services, and blended services (group day habilitation/prevocational).
I love Saddle Rock Ranch. It’s the best place to go to. Everything they do is cool.
Joseph, Consumer
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Participants may choose from pursuits such as gardening, small animal care, large animal care, pet therapy and horseback riding. These activities teach skills, develop confidence and give the opportunity to experience the pleasures of the farm atmosphere and rewards that come from working with the animals and the earth.
Equine Assisted Activities
For individuals with special needs, the relationships formed with horses often lead to increased confidence, patience and self-esteem. Many individuals who are unable to respond to traditional therapies react positively with animals and experience lasting benefits.
Saddle Rock’s Day and Community Recreational Riding Programs teach students to ride horses to the best of their ability and in the process, to develop strengths and skills they may not know they have. Students from five to sixty plus years old are welcome.
Special Olympics Equestrian Training
Saddle Rock Ranch participates in training equestrian athletes for competition held annually. Training culminates in an offsite regional horse show and, for some athletes, a trip to the state competition!
Suffolk Police Athletic League (PAL)
Saddle Rock Ranch has teamed up with the Suffolk PAL to offer a small group riding program for children with disabilities. PAL also offers financial assistance for those who are in need.
NARHA Membership
Saddle Rock Ranch is a NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Inc.) Member Center and is committed to meeting NARHA guidelines for safety and quality, through instructor certification, high facility standards, and outstanding activity development.