About Stirrups ‘n Strides

Where Passion Meets Purpose!

After being involved in therapeutic riding for more than three decades, Betty Gray continues to see new avenues for the healing power of the horse. In 1983, Gray joined Peg Wallace to create Marion Therapeutic Riding Association. When she wrapped up a 10-year stint as MTRA executive director (1997-2006), Gray established Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center. Based on Gray and her husband Wayne’s 30-acre Citra farm, Stirrups ‘n Strides opened in January 2007. The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. PATH International promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs, including children, adults, veterans and active-duty military personnel.

Our Mission is to dedicated our time to transforming lives through therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving, equine-assisted therapy, and Special Olympics, Stirrups ‘n Strides welcomes individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Our commitment is to enhance their quality of life through the art of horsemanship, friendly competition, and the remarkable healing power of horses. Discover the transformative potential of therapeutic horseback riding, a profound tool fostering healing, growth, and thriving for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Through this unique experience, participants forge connections with our equine companions, glean wisdom from their natural instincts, and cultivate new skills and insights.

We firmly believe in the multi-faceted healing capacities of our equine partners

Improving Mental Health

Therapeutic horseback riding offers solace for individuals grappling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and various mental health challenges.

Enhancing Physical Health

Immerse yourself in the world of equine therapy to refine balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. Experience the alleviation of pain and the expansion of your range of motion.

Nurturing Emotional Health

Our horses emanate a calming and therapeutic presence, aiding individuals in managing emotions, building self-confidence, and establishing trust.

Developing Social Skills

Engage in positive and supportive interactions through horse riding, fostering essential social skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.

Meet Our Team!

Founder, Board Member, Registered Instructor & Level 2 Driving Instructor, Executive Director

“After my daughter, Kathy, was kicked in the head by a horse in 1980 I helped start the 1st therapeutic horseback riding program in Marion County in 1983. I became a certified therapeutic riding and carriage driving instructor and started promoting therapeutic riding in our community. People needed to learn about the “miracles” that can happen to children and adults that live with disabilities after riding a horse. After seeing what riding did for my daughter, this became my #1 goal in life.”

“In 2007, I opened Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center at Hi-Time Farm in Orange Lake. In the 9 years we have been in existence, we have grown to 15 horses, 3 arenas and over 100 clients. Therapeutic riding has become my 1st love; I want to help as many people as possible with disabilities to overcome their challenges in life. I sadly had to give up my training & show barn in order to continue to grow Stirrups ‘n Strides, but this is now where my heart lies, and I have a very special daughter that gives me the strength to continue on this wondrous path that helps make miracles happen.”

Board Member

Brian Rousseau was born in St. Petersburg Florida in early 70’s, I grew up on a small horse ranchette in Pinellas Park, Florida where my mother instilled the core values of caring for animals, compassion and caring for all people. Leaving home after high school to start my own family and career by joining the U.S. Army, I have had long blessed military career where I made Soldiers and their families my first and upmost responsibility. Retiring in 2016 from the U.S. Army, my family moved to Puerto Rico where I learned about therapeutic riding and became a volunteer at West Coast Ecuestre Inc.  After earthquakes in south of Puerto Rico, we made the tough decision to move back to Florida in the beginning of 2020.  After moving to the FT Myers area, I started looking for a therapeutic program to volunteer at. I quickly found Special Equestrians and a resent message sent out for volunteers to help with their annual Ride-A-Thon fundraiser.  While volunteering with Special Equestrians I expanded my knowledge of therapeutic riding program, horse care and working as volunteer coordinator for a short time. During my time at Special Equestrians, I had the great opportunity to volunteer in their Driving program working with Mike Freeman who is a very accomplished driving instructor. In 2022 we made another big family decision and moved our little farm to Reddick, FL where I was so grateful to have found Stirrups ‘n Strides. From my first day volunteering with Stirrups ‘n Strides, I knew I had found another great program to volunteer with.

 
Board Member

Graduate from the University of South Florida in Tampa became a Nursing Home Administrator.

From the St. Petersburg/Clearwater area originally, enjoyed working with the elderly for more than 20 years in Pinellas County and an additional 10 years in Ocala, FL.

Being in the health care field, I believe in the benefits of therapy and get inspired when I watch the program of Stirrups N Strides.

An active member of the Ocala Rotary Club. I enjoy volunteering and trying to help the community.

Registered Instructor

Debbie was born in Orlando, FL and grew up in Grenada, MS.  She had horses as a teenager and young adult.  Debbie moved back to Florida after the passing of her mother in 1999.  Debbie started volunteering in 2010 as a side walker where she quickly fell in love with the program.  Betty encouraged her to help teach the class with her and soon she talked to her about becoming one of the next instructors.  With the help of Betty and Stacey Spence, Debbie learned to ride English.  In 2013, she became an instructor and has come to love being at Stirrups ‘n Strides.  “To see the change in the riders right before your eyes is more rewarding than I can say.  I encourage anyone to come and volunteer and try it.”

Other Members that are the beacon of inspiration and vital component to Stirrups ‘n Strides.

Certified Instructors

  • Chris Dove
  • Sonya Jones
  • Robin Buchanan
  • Stacey Spence

Instructors in Training

  • Brandi Lashinski – Program Assistant

**Stirrups ‘n Strides offers mentoring opportunity for instructor certification!

  • Susan Bean – Horse and Barn Caretaker

Stories & Testimonies

Kathy Gray's Story

At 3 years old, Kathy was kicked in the head by a horse! Doctors said she had a 50% chance of survival and didn’t know if she would ever walk again. Before she could even sit up again, Betty Gray had her on a horse. As time progressed Kathy was able to gain strength, coordination and balance. Even though she is still having some paralysis on her left side, Kathy has been doing therapeutic horseback riding for over 40 years. Betty founded Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center Inc. in 2007 with her late husband Wayne Gray. Kathy inspires all the riders at Stirrups ‘n Strides by saying “if I can do it, you can do it.” Kathy, is my miracle, says Betty her mother, and she inspires me every day.

Sean Simpson's Story

Sean Simpson, a young man with autism, struggled with challenging behavior until he found solace in horse riding at Stirrups ‘n Strides. Initially uncooperative, Sean’s weekly riding lessons became a source of joy, transforming his attitude and behavior at home and school. Encouraged by director Betty Gray, Sean’s progress was remarkable; he went from needing multiple volunteers for safety to riding independently. Overcoming doubts, Sean participated in horse shows and, to everyone’s surprise, excelled. In a national championship in Kansas City, competing against older and more experienced riders, Sean clinched the Grand Championship, bringing tears of pride to his family. His journey, marked by improved behavior and unexpected accomplishments, showcased the transformative power of equine therapy at Stirrups ‘n Strides.

Kathy Collin's Story

Kathy Collins who had Multiple Sclerosis wrote:  Stirrups ‘n Strides means so much to me I wish I could do more to help.  You’ve been a big help to me especially with my legs, my Dr. never thought I could stand up, let alone walk again.  He is framing an 8X10 picture of me riding and another of me in a wheelchair and hanging them in his office.  The first time I convinced him to sign my medical papers in order for me to ride I think he expected me to quit because I also have had a disc problem for many years prior along with the MS and Diabetes.  I hadn’t taken a normal step since before 1980 and when the Dr. saw me walk into his office it blew his mind.  Again thanks so very much.  Kathy.

This was written by a long time rider who has since passed away, but Stirrups ‘n Strides gave her something to look forward to every week and helped her regain her strength in her legs so she could walk again!

Rider & Parent Testimonies

Riders –

  • “We Love to Ride at Stirrups ‘n Strides!”
  • “I love riding! It gives me a challenge.”
  • “When I ride my disability disappears and I am like everybody else.”
  • “I can do it!” 

Parents –

  • “With the help of the compassion of the staff, as well as the eagerness of the volunteers, has improved my son’s physical abilities as well as built confidence, strength, and independence.”
  • “I was determined that my child was going to have a great life.”
  • “My daughter is proud to tell everyone she meets how she can ride horses. I am so grateful she has this opportunity and continues to thrive.”

Instructors & Volunteer Testimonies

Instructors –

  • “Whenever I see a rider smile, I know I have done something right.”
  • “We focus on their gifts and are rewarded by their progress.”
  • “Our Stirrups ‘n Strides “family” is a unique combination of individuals, horses, and ponies, working together and believing that anything and everything is possible.”

Volunteers – 

  • “I love to watch them grow on the horses. The parents are thrilled with the child responds.”
  • “I love to watch their spirit and motivation. Everyday is a new miracle.”
  • “After retirement, it gave me back my life.”
Say “Hay” To Our Horses!

Many of our amazing equine companions came to us from a previous “profession.” Here, they have a new opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those who come here for therapeutic riding, equine therapy and equine assisted learning. Each has their own special “magic” to share.  The horses receive tons of loving care from volunteers and participants. We are so thankful for our therapy horses and for all who contribute to their care.

Citra/Orange Horses
Hillcrest School Horses

See a wonderful equine your fond of? Want to sponsor the care for the horse? >Click Here to learn how you can sponsor a horse!

Dont forget to check out our loving Donkeys too!

Our “Sponsor A Horse” Program is a way that you can get involved in helping to provide a great deal of care that keeps our horse friends happy, and healthy while they are hard at work helping others thrive, please consider sponsoring a horse!

Sponsor A Horse!