Dream Riders became operational in October 1998 in Lexington, SC with eight soon to be equestrian riders with mental disabilities. Dream Riders program through the direction of a dedicated board of directors has expanded to over 34 riders per week with special needs and yearly provides over 1,450 hours of riding, with future Dream Riders on our waiting list. Dream Riders growth was made possible by the community’s need for this type of program and funding from general public donations, fundraising projects, and grants from South Carolina Special Olympics / DSN and the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Dream Riders is an accredited riding center of PATH Intnl. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship earlier known as NARHA, a leader in Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT) and participates in the Equestrian Sport offered by SC Special Olympics. Dream Riders is a non-profit 501-C-3 corporation providing a unique approach to physical, emotional, and recreational therapeutic fun for both children and adults with special needs, presently serving people with mental and/or physical disabilities. Each rider is reviewed before acceptance into Dream Riders equestrian program for medical releases and our program’s ability to provide a safe equestrian experience for the rider. A weekly review is held by our certified instructors on each rider as to their progress and if any changes are needed to their present goals. Our certified instructors, with the help of many dedicated volunteers and specially trained horses, enable riders of all ages to benefit from alternative therapeutic techniques away from the normal “clinical” setting. Riders not only enjoy our home facility, but also have the opportunities to participate in other equestrian and non-equestrian events throughout the year, including shows, demonstrations, and fun social events. Dream Riders operates year-round, offering weekly small group lessons in Lexington, SC. A few of our advanced special riders have semi-private lessons. Dream Riders is operated by volunteers, board members, assistant PATH certified instrustor and head PATH certified Instructor (only paid emplyee), with 100% of all donations and funds received going right back into the Dream Riders program.