About our program

Mission Statement
Small Miracles Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation founded through love to enhance the physical, emotional, and cognitive growth of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted activities.

Our History
In July, 1995, Mary Smith, RN, with the support of her family, started a pilot program with seven students on private property to assess the need for this type of service in our area. After six months, the response from the community was overwhelming and there was a waiting list of over 35 students. Mary officially opened the doors of Small Miracles in January of 1996 in Church Hill, TN, and the possibilities of our future growth seemed unlimited. Today we are operating from our own facility, purchased and built in 1999, on 11 acres of quiet, country land located within the city limits of Kingsport. We currently serve approximately 40 students per week. With your support our possibilities and future growth still seem unlimited!

Benefits of Therapeutic Riding
Physical Improvements such as increased balance, trunk control, fine and gross motor movements, coordination, flexibility and muscle strength.

Emotional Stability to improve self-image, confidence, self-esteem and independence.

Social Interaction to gain ability to work with others, increase cooperation, teamwork, and responsibility.

Cognitive Improvement such as increased attention span, motivation, vocabulary, memory and concentration.

Serving Area
The area served by Small Miracles is the upper East Tennessee region. We are located at 1026 Rock Springs Drive, Kingsport, TN 37664.

Directions to Our Facility
From I-26, take Exit 6 (Rock Springs Road / SR 347; formerly I-181, Exit 49). Turn West on Highway 347 and travel approximately one mile to Rock Springs Drive. Turn right onto Rock Springs Drive. Small Miracles is approxemately .3 miles on the left.

National Affiliation
Small Miracles is a member of NARHA, the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. "NARHA is a membership organization that fosters safe, professional, ethical, and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, standards, and research for people with and without disabilities." NARHA promotes equine facilitated therapy and activity programs in the United States and Canada. Currently, more than 650 NARHA program centers serve some 30,000 individuals with disabilities. Each year, dozens of new centers initiate new programs and thousands of individuals profit from these beneficial activities. Since 1969, NARHA has ensured that therapeutic riding is both safe for, and accessible to, those in need. Small Miracles has been a member of NARHA since our inception in 1995 and follows their operating and safety standards.

Staff
Small Miracles staff consists of the Executive Director, Program Director, Program Development Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Instructors, Equine Assistant, and Facility Manager. All of our instructors have been trained and certified by NARHA and have completed all of the requirements for becoming a registered therapeutic instructor. Small Miracles does not discriminate in the hiring of staff on the basis of race, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disabilities.

Volunteers
Small Miracles is a volunteer based organization and relies heavily upon our volunteers for the success of our program. All beginning riders require one to three volunteers for their lessons. Volunteer training is provided on the second Saturday of each month at our facility. Volunteers are also needed for fund raising, barn work, office work, and to serve on the Board of Directors.

Funding
Small Miracles is funded through the donations of interested people, organizations, businesses, and clubs. Although we charge a lesson fee, it only covers a fraction of our actual costs. Through donations we are able to make sponsorships available to those who need assistance. Our goal is to offer our program to anyone who can benefit. With your help we can achieve this goal.