Naples Equestrian Challenge Announces New Name
Announcement comes on the heels of capital campaign completion
(Naples, FL, March 7, 2017) – Naples Equestrian Challenge (NEC) is excited to announce that it has changed its name to Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC). NEC has provided therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted programs for children and adults with special needs for more than 20 years and will continue to do so as NTRC.
“We’ve experienced tremendous growth over the last two decades, due in part to an increase in referrals from pediatricians, neurologists, and physical therapists who are recommending equine-assisted therapy for their patients,” said Kim Minarich, NTRC’s executive director. “However, after extensive research, we found many people thought Naples Equestrian Challenge was a horse show or competition. As a result, our board of directors approved changing the organization’s name to Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, which better reflects our mission and the professional services we provide.”
This name change comes on the heels of NTRC reaching its Barn Raising Capital Campaign construction goal of $4 million. Funds from the campaign are being used to expand the organization’s campus with a new equine-assisted therapy center, featuring a 4,000-square-foot research and training center, an 80-foot covered round riding arena, and a new stable for four additional therapy horses. These new facilities at NTRC, which are slated to open in April, have been named after the Clark Family Foundation, a private grant-making organization dedicated to supporting the well-being of children. The foundation recently closed out the campaign with a generous gift of $813,187.
“The completion of The Clark Family Foundation Equine-Assisted Therapy Center at NTRC will allow us to serve an additional 200 children and adults with special needs annually and be part of the growing research into the medical virtues of equine-assisted therapy,” said Minarich. “We felt this milestone offered a perfect opportunity to rebrand ourselves so the community truly understands the vital, life-changing work we do here each day.”
In addition to raising funds for its increased operational costs, NTRC is continuing to seek support for its Healing Strides Endowment Fund. To help, please contact Kim Minarich at 239-596-2988 or visit www.NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org to learn more.
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ABOUT NAPLES THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER
Established in 1995, Naples Equestrian Challenge, Inc., d/b/a Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with the mission to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs through therapeutic riding and other equine-related programs. With a dedicated staff and group of volunteers, NTRC, a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Premier Accredited Center, provides therapeutic riding and other equine-assisted activities and therapy programs to more than 660 participants each year. Through donations and sponsorships, the organization is able to provide this vital therapy to those who need it most, regardless of income level. For more information, visit www.NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org.
