James Lane Post presents the “East End Community Spotlight” series, highlighting non-profit organizations doing work on the East End. To submit a non-profit organization to be featured in this series, email info@jameslanepost.com.
CTREE, The Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End, is an organization located in Sagaponack at the Topping Riding Club. The goal is to transform the lives of children and adults with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities through the therapeutic power of horses.
Can you tell us about your organization?
The Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End (CTREE) is a not-for-profit (501c3) organization located in Sagaponack at the Topping Riding Club and is a premier accredited member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Our mission is transforming lives through the therapeutic power of horses. CTREE provides therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted services to children and adults with emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities. CTREE lessons follow PATH guidelines and are taught by certified PATH International Instructors. Program horses and volunteer staff are specially trained.
Could you talk about the importance of this work on the East End?
CTREE works with a wide range of children and adults. We are able to offer scholarship assistance to more than a third of our participants. We have also partnered with another local charity, Fighting Chance. Cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers can join us for Equine therapy that includes grooming and walking with trained therapy horses along with trainers and counselors.
How can the East End community get involved?
Many of our volunteers are from the Hamptons, and it provides a way for them to give back to their local community. Volunteers are involved in all aspects, from helping with lessons, horse care, and assisting with the Fighting Chance group. We also host fundraising events throughout the year, which we encourage our East End Community to attend and volunteer at!