Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA), Ocala, Florida

09/04/2025

09/03/2025

Because of you, our riders get to experience the freedom of horseback riding, the joy of connection, and the confidence that carries far beyond the arena.

At MTRA, our mission is simple but powerful: to harness the healing power of horses to change lives. This Give4Marion (Sept 16–17), we’re asking for your support so we can continue making these life-changing moments possible.

Every little bit helps — together, we can keep building strength, hope, and smiles in our community.

09/01/2025

08/28/2025

Today post honors the late Ms. Dot, longtime volunteer and Safety Spotter for our program. She dedicated years, but today, we recognize the passion for horses, the love for their natural healing and hearts when connecting with each of us in their own way, and her dream of riding. It is easy to recognize the many benefits of riding horses physically, mentally, and emotionally, but especially significant to recognize the empowering and uplifting reward of fulfilling a lifelong dream of climbing up on a horse and actually sitting on one and experiencing the joy of that horse listening and following your guiding hands and cues. It… is… an incredible thing, this horse and human connection.

What are your favorite success stories in chasing your horse dreams?

08/27/2025

When you go that extra mile to help out with dinner plans… Rowdy is SUCH a great assistant, and demonstrates teamwork! ♥️🐴

08/26/2025

Horses are healers — and science backs it up!

At MTRA, we see the powerful bond between horses and people every day, and research shows why it works:

🐴 The movement of a horse’s walk is very similar to how humans walk. When riders move with the horse, it helps strengthen muscles, improve balance, and build coordination — especially for people with physical challenges.
🐴 Being with horses has been shown to lower stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even reduce symptoms of PTSD. Horses encourage us to slow down, be calm, and stay present in the moment.
🐴Caring for and connecting with a horse helps build confidence, trust, and communication skills, creating benefits that carry over into everyday life.
🐴Every ride, every grooming session, and every quiet heartbeat-to-heartbeat moment is proof that horses truly change lives.

08/23/2025

Clyde has spoken: all MTRA business must be approved by the paw of authority. 🐾💻

08/22/2025

🚨🗓️ SAVE THE DATE!! 🗓️🚨

**September 16th and 17th**

Last year, our community raised over THREE MILLION DOLLARS combined for all of the participating non-profits in Marion County. The real success of Give4Marion will not be how much money we raise but the tremendous impact those dollars will have when nonprofits across Ocala and Marion County put them to work! Join the giving on September 16-17th at give4marion.org.

You will have 33 hours to do it again if you like! Be the change this world needs, and mark your calendars now. Stay tuned, as we will share updates as the date draws nearer. We thank all who participated before and hope you will consider MTRA as your charity or one of them this year!