Mission: Our mission is to provide transformative therapeutic recreation in a natural environment for individuals over the age of 12 with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities, as well as the greater community.
Please reach us at info@inspiredacresfl.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
We are by appointment only! Please reach out to us at info@inspiredacresfl.org to schedule a tour or appointment.
Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being (NCTRC, 2024).
The purpose of the RT process is to improve or maintain physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual functioning in order to facilitate full participation in life. Services are provided or directly supervised by a “Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist” (CTRS).
Recreational therapy includes, but is not limited to, providing treatment services and recreation activities to individuals using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. Recreational therapists treat and help maintain the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their clients by seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively (NCTRC, 2024).
Our therapeutic recreation programs are designed for individuals with disabilities over the age of 12, veterans, seniors, people in recovery from addiction, and the greater community.
Program billing at Inspired Acres is based on the participant’s place in our programs, rather than on attendance of individual lessons. Therefore, no credits or makeup lessons will be given for participant cancellations (unless cancelled by Inspired Acres staff.)
Rescheduling: Due to the complex nature of equine activities and the scheduling of horses, volunteers and instructors, we are unable to offer opportunities to reschedule missed or canceled lessons.
Please see our cancellation policy to answer any questions or reach out to us directly.
There will be no programs during the holiday weeks listed below. Pricing for each session has been adjusted so you will not be billed for holiday weeks when programs are not operating.
Thanksgiving: November 18th- November 23rd 2024
Christmas: December 23rd- December 28th 2024
New Years: December 30th-January 5th 2025
Memorial Day: May 26th- May 31st 2025
Please check out our program calendar for scheduling or reach out to us directly at caitlin@inspiredacresfl.org!
In an effort to keep our programs low cost and accessible to a wide variety of participants, we do not accept insurance. Individual participants are welcome to submit a claim to their insurance company for reimbursement; however, Inspired Acres will not do so on your behalf.
Yes we do! We are proud to offer need-based scholarship assistance thanks to the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. Scholarships are available for our core equine and therapeutic recreation (6 and 12- week) and are issued by the session. A new scholarship application will need to be submitted for each session requiring financial assistance. Please click here if you would like to fill out an application for financial assistance.
In 2010, our journey began with a vision rooted in compassion and the transformative power of equine-assisted learning. Inspired by a deeply personal journey, Pinellas County native Christine Gagnon, alongside her husband Chris and many wonderful friends, founded our organization to create a sanctuary where participants could not only benefit from equine therapy but also foster meaningful connections with one another.
Christine's daughter Kaylee, born with Down Syndrome, sparked the initial inspiration. Kaylee's profound connection to horses was evident from an early age as she learned to ride before she could walk. Each ride was a testament to her resilience, her courage, and an unwavering belief that anything was possible. Recognizing the immense physical and emotional benefits that Kaylee experienced through her interactions with horses, our founders envisioned a space where individuals of all ages and abilities could come together, find community, and embark on a journey of growth and empowerment.
As the organization evolved, so did its mission. Today, we proudly offer a diverse range of therapeutic recreation programs, extending our services to veterans, seniors, individuals in recovery, and anyone seeking a supportive community.
A tribute to Kaylee, who "Inspired" it all, our name speaks to the heart of our mission: to empower individuals of all abilities to embrace their own journey, to find strength in their struggles, and to discover the profound beauty that lies within each and every one of us.
Therein lies our commitment to providing holistic and inclusive experiences that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. Our serene campus, nestled amidst the natural beauty of Pinellas County, serves as a haven where individuals can find solace, support, and the opportunity to thrive.
Join us on this journey of compassion, growth, and community as we continue to expand our mission and create a more inclusive world for all.
Inspired Acres
1743 Doncaster Road, Clearwater, Florida 33764, United States
Copyright © 2024 Inspired Acres – All Rights Reserved. Website design by Callie McCarthy.