Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding gallops into 2026

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding Center held a brief anniversary celebration Nov. 17.

The organization provides equine-assisted services through tailored lesson programs delivered by highly accredited instructors for children and adults living with cognitive and physical disabilities. 

The organization has operated for more than 30 years, but this year marks the 10th anniversary at the farm, which is a full-service, multi-building facility encompassing 10 acres near Milton. In attendance were SDTR’s board of directors, representatives from the state legislature and local mayors. 

SDTR Vice President Linda Berdine told the story of how the center came to be the home of SDTR, and how transformed the property has become in just 10 years, with improvements such as run-in sheds, fences, viewing box, water tank, security, entrance to the arena, fire suppression system and more.

In 2015, the center started with 30 participants, three instructors and four horses. Now it has 175 participants, five instructors and eight horses. Berdine applauded the volunteers who keep the center in motion, and shared her vision of having 15 horses, eight instructors, and clearing the current waiting list of 40 future participants. 

Berdine said the old 1910 farmhouse will be demolished and reorganized to be able to add new programs to serve the community better.

“We ask you to join us as we gallop into the next 10 years,” she said. 

Executive Director Jo Allegro-Smith said participants in the program are empowered, supported and celebrated at the center.

“We’re not just dreaming, we’re building,” she said.

The center plans to launch unmounted programs, expanding inclusive engagement through leadership and community building. The goal is to create an equine-inspired life enrichment center where vocational pathways, lifelong learning and wraparound support empower individuals and families.