Sonrisas Trails offers therapeutic horseback riding to individuals facing physical, mental, and emotional challenges through structured equine programs. Established in 1983 as a Junior League project and incorporated in 1987, Sonrisas became a subsidiary of West Texas Boys Ranch in 2013, expanding its community service. In 2015, it integrated Mosaic Trails, serving clients of all ages. The organization focuses on therapeutic benefits, not general riding lessons. They provide services to school districts in the Concho Valley, MHMR, Rescare, and community riders, catering to those with conditions like sight/hearing impairments, ADD, ADHD, Spina bifida, speech-language delay, MS, Lou Gehrig's Disease, MD, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, emotional and behavioral disorders, PTSD, and intellectual disabilities. Sonrisas Trails is funded through donations, fundraisers, and grants, without state or federal support. The organization also offers a Low & High Team Building Challenge Course adjacent to their covered therapeutic horseback riding center. This course is open to the public and is designed to allow those with disabilities to participate. The PATH Intl. methods are used to provide services to individuals with disabilities. EAAT includes therapeutic riding and groundwork with horses as well as leadership exercises and a low and high team challenge course open to the public. They offer group and private lessons to individuals in the community pending an assessment to determine that they have a horse for your needs and can ride you safely in our program. They also accept Veterans to participate in their Veterans Program and their School Program provides services to special needs classes in local elementary schools. Students with disabilities range from ages 3 and up. Their certified instructors aim to strengthen individual abilities and improve skills in balance, coordination, communication and muscle strength.
