Our Mission:
Kent Association of Riding Therapy, Inc. (KART) was founded in 1984 to help children and adults with disabilities enhance their social and developmental growth. KART uses a multi-faceted program involving therapeutic horseback riding and equine related activities.
News and Upcoming events
Because of You
As we look back on another wonderful year at Kent Association of Riding Therapy (KART), we are reminded of just how much can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. Because of you, lives were touched, confidence was built, and accomplishments—both big and small—were celebrated. For more than four decades, KART has provided therapeutic horseback riding and equine-related activities to children and adults with disabilities. Our mission remains as important today as it was when KART was founded in 1984: to help individuals enhance their social, physical, and developmental growth through the special partnership between horse and rider.
Because of You,
Riders Grew
Throughout the year, our riders worked hard, challenged themselves, learned new skills, and celebrated their accomplishments. For some, success meant learning to communicate with a horse. For others, it meant improving balance, coordination, or strength. For many, it was simply the confidence that came from trying something new and realizing, “I can do this!” Those moments are what make KART so special.
Because of You,
More people had the opportunity to ride
KART continued working with children and adults with a variety of physical and mental challenges, including autism, depression, stroke, dementia, and other disabilities. We were also proud to continue our partnerships with Kent County Public Schools, Christian Academy, Horizon, and Camp Fairlee, helping bring the benefits of therapeutic riding to even more members of our community. Our goal is to continue growing so that even more children and adults can experience the physical, emotional, and social benefits of working with horses.
Because of You,
Our horses continued their import work
Our horses are at the heart of everything we do. They teach patience. They encourage communication. They provide connection. They offer acceptance without judgment. Every rider develops a unique relationship with their horse, and those relationships can create moments of confidence and joy that are difficult to achieve anywhere else.
Because of You,
Volunteers made it possible
KART’s volunteers are an essential part of our success. From helping during riding lessons to assisting with special events, fundraisers, and everyday activities, our volunteers give their time, energy, and hearts to KART. We are incredibly grateful to every person who has volunteered this year. Your willingness to show up and help makes a tremendous difference.
Because of You,
Our community came together
This year brought opportunities to connect with our community in many different ways—from fundraising events, scholarships, and sponsorships to outreach activities and special visits. Our supporters helped make events such as the Chestertown Challenge Half Marathon & 5K possible, while local businesses, organizations, families, and individuals continued to show their belief in KART’s mission.
Every donation, sponsorship, ticket purchase, volunteer hour, and word of encouragement matters.
Because of You,
Our community came together
We are excited about what lies ahead. KART has an important goal of increasing the number of Kent County school-age children with physical and mental challenges who anticipate in our program. We want to reach even more families and provide more opportunities for children to experience the confidence, connection, and joy that therapeutic riding can bring.
We know that growth is possible because we have an incredible community behind us.
A special thanks to our donors!
At the end of the day, KART would not be able to do what we do without the generosity of our donors and supporters.
Because of you, a rider can experience the pride of mastering a new skill.
Because of you, a child can discover confidence.
Because of you, a family can see possibilities they may not have imagined.
Because of you, our horses can continue doing what they do best—connecting with people and helping them grow.
Your support does more than fund a program.
It changes lives.
Thank you for making this year possible.
Thank you for believing in our riders.
Thank you for believing in KART.
And most of all—thank you for being the reason we can continue to
make a difference, one rider, one horse, and one unforgettable moment
at a time.
Because of You.
Celebrating a Lifetime of Dedication:
Marti Hawkins
KART would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Marti Hawkins, a lifelong KART board member who has recently retired from the Board of Directors. For so many years, Marti has been a dedicated advocate for KART and the individuals and families we serve. Her commitment, compassion, and belief in the mission of therapeutic riding have helped shape KART into the organization it is today.
Marti’s service to KART has been about so much more than attending meetings or serving on a board. She has been a steadfast supporter, a familiar and caring presence, and someone who truly understood the importance of KART’s mission. Her years of service represent an extraordinary gift of time, energy, and heart to our organization and our community.
While Marti may be retiring from the KART Board, her legacy will remain a part of KART for years to come. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to KART and for the countless lives she has helped touch along the way.
Thank you, Marti, for a lifetime of dedication, friendship, and belief in KART. We wish you all the best
in this next chapter!
The Kent Association of Riding Therapy is a Premier Member of PATH International, a distinction that recognizes organizations demonstrating the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and program quality in equine-assisted services. As a Premier Member, KART meets or exceeds PATH International’s rigorous requirements for governance, instructor certification, risk management, and participant care. By aligning PATH International’s evidence-based practices, certified instruction, and commitment to inclusion with KART’s hands-on, participant-centered programs, we are revolutionizing learning pathways for individuals of all abilities. Together, we create personalized, experiential learning environments where horsemanship, therapy, and education intersect—empowering participants to build confidence, independence, and lifelong skills through meaningful connection with horses.
