Equine Assisted Learning Program
Let’s Hit the Trails Together! Now Two Times Each Month!
The Mark Wandall Foundation is proud to partner with SMART with HEART and Suncoast Therapeutic Equine Partners (STEP) to provide two monthly sessions of equine-assisted learning. This FREE program is open to children ages 5 and older who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or guardian. There is a maximum weight allowance of 180 lbs.
This 2-hour program will help participants focus on healing, bonding, and team-building skills through:
- Engage in horse riding activities and games.
- Lead mini horses through an obstacle course.
- There are limited spots available each month.
Closed-toe shoes are required, and guardians must stay on the premises during the program. Both sessions will run from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
On the second Saturday of each month, our session will be at Smart with Heart:
SMART with HEART (located at 4640 County Road 675, Bradenton, FL 34211).
2025/2026 Dates
10/11/2025 1/10/2026 4/11/2026
11/8/2025 2/14/2026 5/9/2025
12/13/2025 3/14/2026 6/13/2026
On the last Saturday of each month, our session will be at STEP:
STEP (1615 Verna Rd, Sarasota, FL, 34240)
2025/2026 Dates
10/25/2025 1/31/2026 4/25/2026
11/22/2025 2/28/2026 5/30/2026
12/27/2025 3/28/2026 6/27/2026
Registration for both riding sessions will begin in the middle of the month before the session (i.e., October registration will start in mid-September). You will have the option to register for the session date you prefer, and we ask you to only register for one session each month. You will have the option to be on stand by for the second session in the event is does not fill.
Registration is announced through The Mark Wandall Foundation email. If you do not already receive event notifications from The Mark Wandall Foundation, you can sign up here: https://www.themarkwandallfoundation.org/contact/.
After you pre-register for a session, you will receive an email confirming your spot. Participant paperwork is required but will be valid for the entire riding season.
Please direct any questions about this program to our program Coordinator, Kim Smith, ksmith.themarkwandallfoundation@gmail.com.
*These sessions are popular and carry waitlists. We understand that emergencies happen. If you register, please add to your calendar and please do your best to attend. If you are unable to make it, you MUST let us know.
We are able to offer these programs, at zero cost, to all families who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling and/or guardian thanks to our generous donors.
