Lets Ride Therapeutic Equestrian Program (TEP)

Let’s Ride Equestrian Therapy was founded by Ann Marriner and Patti Bauman out of a love for horses and people and the knowledge that bringing those two together has the power to make magic happen.

Since 2013, Ann and Patti, along with their volunteers, have been able to touch the lives of so many people, from individuals on the spectrum of ability and their families and friends, to the lives of many rescue horses who needed a second chance and a loving home. They strive for the moments where it all clicks – where someone makes that bond with a horse that changes their life, where someone says their first word or takes their first step, where they take their independence back. When a student, who may have trouble walking and speaking, can lead their horse to a mounting block and mount up with little assistance – moments like those remind them why they do this.

It certainly hasn’t always been easy - but it’s always been worth it. Since 2020, Let’s Ride, like the rest of us, has been battered by the many events of the world – a global pandemic that hindered their ability to work together in person, rising temperatures and rampant heatwaves and wildfires, and inflation that makes it difficult to keep up with the cost of living (and especially caring for six horses!). But through it all, Ann and Patti have shown up every day and fought to make it work because they believe so strongly in their mission - Animals and people saving each other's lives.

Now they need our help. Kahu, a founding horse-member of Let’s Ride, experienced a corneal ulcer that required an expensive surgery and six-week hospital stay, as well as ongoing medication and treatment. Our other five horses also have needs that must be met, from special feed and meds for our older boys to special shoes and equipment, they are working tirelessly to rebuild the customer base they lost after having to shut down for COVID in 2020 and part of 2021. They love their students, their horses, and their volunteers, and want everyone to be safe, comfortable, and able to work and learn at their best. But they can’t do that without the means to provide everyone with the tools they need to make that happen and keep the horses healthy.

A donation to Let’s Ride is a donation to the betterment of so many lives and a contribution to the autism and special needs community. We thank you in advance for your help and kindness and look forward to theopportunity to pay it forward.