Mission Statement
OUR BACKGROUND
The mission of Stride Ahead is to empower people in need in DeKalb County to achieve their highest potential. We use horses in proven methods that provide transformative experiences in personal, social, educational, and physical development.
Stride Ahead professionals are trained and certified by the most widely respected equine assisted therapy associations: PATH, Int’l and Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.
PLEASE NOTE: In order to help prevent spreading the COVID-19 virus, Stride Ahead has suspended all lessons beginning Tuesday, March 17 until further notice. Thank you for your patience.
Stride Ahead Celebrates 10 Years
Save the Date - 10th Anniversary Galloping Gala
Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 7 to 10pm
Historic DeKalb Courthouse on the Square in Decatur
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Stride Ahead In the News
STRIDE AHEAD INC. RECOGNIZED AT DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSIONER'S MEETING
On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Stride Ahead Inc. was given a proclamation for its years of service to the residents of DeKalb County. Commissioner Steve Bradshaw introduced Director Anne Preston by calling Little Creek Farm “a jewel” in the county. On a day when special attention was given to veterans, Commissioner Bradshaw and Ms. Preston remarked on the many benefits veterans receive from Stride Ahead Inc., an Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) program that serves clients at the farm. Whether veterans suffer from a physical ailment or the emotional strain of post-traumatic stress disorder,
working with a 1000 pound non-judgmental horse can restore confidence and trust,
thus leading to improved quality of life.
Anne Preston is pictured receiving the proclamation from Commissioner Bradshaw.
Our friends and bloggers, The Idealist in Atlanta, visited us in 2014 for an article they were writing. To read about what they learned follow the link below.
COWBOY ETHICS
Provides character building and life skills to at-risk elementary and middle school students of the public schools, typically identified as performing below their potential. The combination of teaching life skills with academics provides measurable improvement in attendance, academic performance, attention, and social skills.
THERAPEUTIC RIDING & HIPPOTHERAPY
We provide children and adults with special needs an activity that is both therapeutic and fun, in a safe, supportive, non-competitive environment. Each student's weekly lesson includes both on-the-horse riding time and on-the-ground time with the horse, so she can develop a compassionate and respectful partnership with the horse.
HOOVES FOR HEROES
Veterans Programs of physical and emotional healing for the men and women who have served our country and suffered injury and emotional trauma. With the therapeutic help from the horses and licensed therapists these men and women can resolve some of the issues that are barriers to a fuller, more fulfilled life.
GIRL SCOUTS
Stride Ahead is looking forward to helping Girl Scouts from Daisy to Ambassador earn badges, Journey awards and Community Service Bars, and to carry out community service and Take Action projects. We can accommodate Girl Scouts who have a disability! For more information, please contact Stride Ahead’s Girl Scout liaison, Margaret Paschal, at paschalmargaret@gmail.com or read more here.
Programs
Events
We're turning 10!
We will be celebrating with 10th Anniversary Galloping Gala
on Thursday, May 7, 2020 from 7 to 10pm.
Historic DeKalb Courthouse on the Square in Decatur
Become a Volunteer
YOUR SUPPORT CAN CHANGE LIVES
We have a growing group of devoted volunteers clocking in many hours
at the barn to provide the various programs. Volunteers include
horse owners, students, and neighborhood residents who appreciate how horses can help humans. We are always looking for more good volunteers.
There are volunteer training sessions and volunteer mentoring
for people interested in working with the horses.
Stride Ahead volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
Our next volunteer training session date is to be determined.
Please check back for more information.
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Make a Donation
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Since 2010 Stride Ahead, Inc. has worked to empower people in need in DeKalb County, Atlanta and surrounding areas to achieve their highest potential through our Equine Therapy programs. Making a contribution to Stride Ahead, Inc. will allow us to continue our mission. Stride Ahead, Inc. is designated a 501(c)(3) by the IRS. Donations to Stride Ahead are fully tax deductible. There are several ways to contribute.
Donate directly to Stride Ahead, Inc. - This can be a one-time gift or a monthly amount arranged through your bank’s bill-pay option. You can also donate using the Paypal button.
Planned Giving - There are several charitable planned giving options available to you. You can make a planned gift by naming Stride Ahead, Inc. as a beneficiary of your last will and testament, life insurance policy or retirement plan. Stride Ahead, Inc. can be named as a beneficiary of a charitable trust.
Gifts of Stock - According to Fidelity Investments, a gift of publicly traded stock that has increased in value and that you have owned over one year may provide greater tax benefits than giving cash. Your investment advisor is best suited to verify this beneficial tax saving.
Meet the Herd
ZAN
SCOUT
SARAH
RHAPSODY
FLURRY
AL
JUSTIN
FINN
BELIEVE
MATTIE
CODY
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JAKE
Board of Directors and Staff
THE PEOPLEÂ BEHIND STRIDE AHEAD.
Stride Ahead’s board and staff bring a broad array of talents and experience including equine assisted
therapy professionals with certifications from two internationally respected organizations:
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EAGALA - Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association as well as training by the
Strides to Success character building equine program for at-risk school children.
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PATH, Intl. - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHRIS LOBKOWICZ
ANNE PRESTON
DAN REED
JAMES MAROSEK
KATHERINE BRANCH
CAROLINE MOISE
MIRACLE RANKIN
JOSELYN CASSIDY
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STAFF
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PAM SMITH
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
NANCY SCOTT
BOOK KEEPER
COURTNEY ANDERSON
INSTRUCTOR