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| What is Vinceremos? In Latin, "Vinceremos" means to overcome. Using gentle movement of the horse as therapy and recreation, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center program serves to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County. 
Vinceremos has four basic programs: Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, Horses for Heroes and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. For more information about these programs click here. Since it's inception in 1981 Vinceremos has provided service to more than 1000 persons with varying emotional and physical disabilities, including at-risk teens. It is the ultimate goal to instruct each rider to his or her highest potential, which may include learning to ride independently and participating in the various regional riding competitions throughout the year. These structured events foster feelings of accomplishment and help to build a sense of teamwork and responsibility among riders. Each of the equine staff members is specially selected and trained as part of the therapy team. With thoughtful care and guidance, they work with each individual based on their specific needs. In almost every case, the sense of normalcy and competency that results from learning to control a 1000-lb animal becomes as equally important as the physical aspects of the therapy. Grooming and caring for the horses are also an important part of the participants' experience at Vinceremos. Who comes to Vinceremos? Little ones as young as two years old all the way up through adults in their 70's regularly attend the program for recreation or therapy. Those suffering from cerebral palsy, mental retardation, autism, head injury and strokes have all benefited from the gentle movement of the horse. Vinceremos also prides itself as the training home for numerous Special Olympics medalists. Volunteers valuable to the program The Vinceremos program could not succeed without the valuable volunteers. They are important to the safety of the riders, the comfort and care of the horses and the vital activity of fund-raising. If you'd like to be a volunteer in the program, please contact Ruth Menor, program director, or Christina McLean, head instructor, at the number above!
We need volunteers! Facts & Information Over the last 24 years, the center has grown with the generosity of the community. Because of the support of our sponsors, Vinceremos has been able to make great strides of accomplishment. The center is not a United Way agency nor does it receive funding for its program from any government agency. In 1981 the center was started as a life long dream of the Executive Director. Her concept was to provide a center dedicated to those with special challenges who could ride horses for therapy or recreation on a continuing basis. With the assistance of a small Board of Directors, VTRC was incorporated. Beginning in a friend's backyard with 3 horses, 10 students and a totally volunteer staff, it was the first program in Florida to work year 'round and own program horses. In 1983, the center leased 20 acres on Lake Worth Road from the Diocese of Palm Beach. The entire volunteer staff built barns, fenced pastures and constructed the arena. The program grew to 25 riders per week with six horses. In 1985 the program hired Ruth Menor as its first full time staff member, executive director and instructor. With funds generated from its first benefit auction, the program expanded to working with 45 riders per week and eight horses. For the next 10 years the program grew to serve more than 125 riders per year with 12 program horses. During that time, the Vinceremos athletes were selected to compete in the International Special Olympic Games brining home Gold and Silver medals. These accomplishments continued with participation in Special Olympics Competition at the local and state level as well as involvement in the 4-H program. In 1995, VTRC realized one of its long-term goals by purchasing 15 acres in Loxahatchee Groves adjacent to the Palms West Hospital. VTRC met another of its major goals in 1998 when the remaining note on the property was paid off and the "New Farm" property was now debt free. Lessons enthusiastically began at the new site. Volunteers assisted in clearing land, constructed an arena with fill and fencing, erected perimeter and pasture fencing, and rebuilt the storage shed with temporary stalls. A construction company was contracted to refurbish the existing barn and offices. Phase 1 was completed and celebrated with a Grand Opening in December of 2000. These improvements valued at $482,500 were accomplished debt free with the assistance of our donors and sponsors. "Cover Our Kids" Arena
We now need your continued support to keep our program operational. Vinceremos currently works with 350 students, and has a stable of 14 horses. Our capital project is entering Phase 1, the “Cover Our Kids Arena”. The construction of the covered arena will allow our center to provide year round service to clients who are sensitive to the heat and keep our program operational in the event of inclement weather. The budget for this Phase is $764,263.00.Phase II, will consist of a 20-stall barn, offices and a caretaker apartment. The caretaker facilities will keep our horses and property safe 24 hours per day. The total for this Phase will be $239,000. Phase III will be the parking area and will cost $94,490.00.
Where is Vinceremos?
In November 1997, the program took up residence at 13300 Sixth Court North on 15 acres that the organization purchased adjacent to Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee Groves. CLICK HERE for map and directions. |
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