SMART with Heart

SMART with Heart SMART with Heart is a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited equine-assisted services center providing adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and wellness programs.

Founded in 1987, SMART is in its 40th year serving the Sarasota-Manatee area.

Today is National Help a Horse Day, and we couldn’t do what we do without our incredible four-legged friends. 🐴🧡At SMART...
04/26/2026

Today is National Help a Horse Day, and we couldn’t do what we do without our incredible four-legged friends. 🐴🧡

At SMART, our horses are more than part of the program, they are partners, teachers, healers, and friends. Every lesson, every breakthrough, and every smile starts with them.

Today, we celebrate the horses who give so much to our riders, volunteers, veterans, children, and families.

Help us honor them by supporting their care, sharing our mission, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the powerful bond between horses and people.

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the HeartVolunteer Spotlight: ChrisChris joined SMART with Heart in September 2026 with no prior hor...
04/24/2026

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Chris

Chris joined SMART with Heart in September 2026 with no prior horse experience, but that didn’t slow him down.

He started with barn shifts, eager to learn and build his skills, then transitioned into supporting unmounted EAL lessons with the minis alongside Janet.

Since then, Chris has continued to grow, becoming a side walker, an approved horse handler, and now regularly leading horses in weekly lessons. Wherever help is needed, Chris steps in.

Known for his positive attitude and constant smile, he’s someone both people and horses enjoy being around.

Because of volunteers like Chris, SMART continues to thrive.

We’re grateful for everything you do, Chris. 🧡

👇 Drop a 💛 to show your appreciation!

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the HeartVolunteer Spotlight: IzabellaIzabella’s journey with SMART began on a fourth-grade field tr...
04/24/2026

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Izabella

Izabella’s journey with SMART began on a fourth-grade field trip, where she made a promise to return as a volunteer, and she kept it.

She joined SMART at 14 and quickly became a familiar face, dedicating countless hours and even volunteering six days a week during the summer of 2024. As a senior in high school she was award the President’s Volunteer Service Award for having over 800 hours at SMART. Her passion and commitment stood out, but it was her personal connection to the program that made her story truly meaningful.

During a challenging time, Izabella found comfort and purpose at SMART. Through the horses and the community, she discovered the powerful bond between horse and rider, and the impact it can have on healing and growth.
That experience shaped her future.

Now a recipient of the Middle School Community Service Award, Izabella is continuing her journey at Centenary University, pursuing a degree in Therapeutic Riding Management and working toward becoming a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor.

From a young promise to a clear purpose, Izabella’s story is a powerful example of dedication, resilience, and the impact of SMART.

We’re so proud of you, Izabella. 🧡

👇 Drop a 💛 to celebrate Izabella!

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the HeartVolunteer Spotlight: NancyNancy joined SMART in October 2023, starting in the office keepin...
04/23/2026

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy

Nancy joined SMART in October 2023, starting in the office keeping records and reports on track before making her way to the barn and lessons.

She’s since found her niche caring for our herd, developing a deep appreciation for each horse and the unique personality they bring.

Nancy especially loves watching participants connect with their horse partners, building confidence, learning new skills, and growing with each ride.

For Nancy, it’s the herd, volunteers, staff, and especially our participants that brighten her day.

We’re grateful for everything you do, Nancy. 🧡

👇 Drop a 💛 to show your appreciation!

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the HeartVolunteer Spotlight: Ken “Pops” HallNot every volunteer at SMART with Heart works directly ...
04/22/2026

🐴💛 The Hands Behind the Heart

Volunteer Spotlight: Ken “Pops” Hall

Not every volunteer at SMART with Heart works directly with the horses, but every role matters, and Ken “Pops” Hall is a perfect example of that.

You can find Pops at SMART almost every day, quietly taking care of whatever needs to be done. From fixing and building to cleaning and maintaining the property, he plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Whether it’s electrical work, repairs, or general upkeep, Pops steps in wherever he’s needed. His consistency, work ethic, and willingness to help make a lasting impact on the organization.

Because of volunteers like Pops, SMART is able to provide a safe, welcoming environment for our riders, families, and horses.

We are incredibly grateful for everything you do, Pops. 🧡

👇 Help us show Pops some appreciation, drop a 💛 in the comments!

Leslie Emery serves as a Director of SMART with Heart.Leslie brings experience in real estate, leadership, and community...
04/22/2026

Leslie Emery serves as a Director of SMART with Heart.

Leslie brings experience in real estate, leadership, and community engagement. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Health and Physical Education and an emphasis in Adaptive Education, she began her career in education, including teaching abroad in South Australia with a focus on community programs and fundraising.

Her professional background includes leadership roles with the YMCA and more than 25 years in retail management, where she developed expertise in hiring, training, mentoring, and team leadership. She currently works with Michael Saunders & Company, specializing in acreage and equestrian properties in the Sarasota area, and is known for her relationship driven approach and ability to manage complex transactions.

Leslie brings to SMART a focus on community engagement, partnership development, and outreach. Her experience in relationship building, fundraising support, and stakeholder coordination will help expand community awareness, strengthen partnerships, and support the organization’s long-term sustainability.

SMART with Heart is pleased to have Leslie on the Board and looks forward to her continued contributions to the organization.

🐴💛 What starts as a connection can grow into something truly special.Volunteer Spotlight: ReeseReese became part of SMAR...
04/21/2026

🐴💛 What starts as a connection can grow into something truly special.

Volunteer Spotlight: Reese

Reese became part of SMART with Heart in January 2024, starting with Equine Assisted Learning groundwork. From the very beginning, she showed a unique connection with the horses, carefully observing their behavior and always looking for ways to help them feel safe and understood.

She developed a special bond with a horse named Kisses. When Kisses had to be put down due to health reasons, Reese faced that loss with strength and compassion, channeling her love into caring for the rest of the herd.

In 2025, Reese transitioned into adaptive riding, where she continues to grow her skills and confidence. She also has a natural ability to support others, often staying after lessons to help in the barn, encourage fellow riders, and simply be a friend.

Now a high school junior, Reese serves as a teacher’s assistant for 1st graders and volunteers approximately 5 hours each week at SMART with Heart. She recently began shadowing instructors during groundwork lessons and especially enjoys working with younger children, helping them learn about horse safety while building confidence.

Reese shows up every time with a smile, enthusiasm, and a willingness to help wherever needed.

We are incredibly fortunate to have her as part of the SMART with Heart family. 🧡

👇 Help us celebrate Reese, drop a 💛 or leave her a comment below!

Join us on May 9th for an inspiring afternoon where fun meets purpose. 🐴💛Every ticket, every raffle, every moment suppor...
04/21/2026

Join us on May 9th for an inspiring afternoon where fun meets purpose. 🐴💛

Every ticket, every raffle, every moment supports SMART with Heart and the life-changing work happening right here in our community.

Come enjoy live music, great company and be part of something meaningful.

Local 7433

🐴🧡 IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK and today, we celebrate the people who make it all possible.At SMART with H...
04/21/2026

🐴🧡 IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK and today, we celebrate the people who make it all possible.

At SMART with Heart, there’s no such thing as “just a volunteer.”

They are the steady hands beside a rider taking a brave first step.
They are the quiet reassurance behind every moment of doubt.
They are the early mornings, the late afternoons, and everything in between.
They show up rain or shine, supporting lessons, caring for our horses, and maintaining a place where riders and families feel safe, supported, and seen.

💛 Because of them, confidence grows.
💛 Because of them, connections are made.
💛 Because of them, lives are changed, one ride, one moment, one hoofbeat at a time.

To every volunteer, past and present:
You are not just part of this mission, you are what makes it possible.

We see you. We appreciate you. And we are endlessly grateful.

🎉 All week long, we’ll be highlighting the incredible people behind SMART with Heart.

👇 Know a volunteer who deserves to be recognized? Tag them below and show them some love! 💛🐴

Address

4640 County Road 675
Bradenton, FL
34211

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm

Website

https://pathintl.org/membership/centers/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SMART with Heart posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category