Special People United to Ride, Inc.
Lincroft, New Jersey
Special People United to Ride (SPUR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Lincroft, New Jersey, that partners with the Monmouth County Park System on therapeutic riding at Sunnyside Equestrian Center. Its adaptive horsemanship program serves children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities, starting at age four, and it also runs an eight-week program for school groups.
- Adaptive horsemanship (therapeutic riding) lessons
- Equine Environment for Learning program for school groups
- Year-round lessons in an indoor arena
- Scholarships
- Volunteer training
- Children age 4 and up
- Adults
- People with physical disabilities
- People with cognitive disabilities
- School groups
More about this center
About the Program
SPUR says each lesson is tailored to the rider's physical and cognitive needs. According to the Monmouth County Park System, students meet for 30 minutes each week and work on balance, muscle tone and posture. Sessions run eight weeks, and new riders begin with an instructor and two sidewalkers.
The Equine Environment for Learning program is a custom eight-week program for school groups of up to ten participants. It combines classroom activities with mounted and unmounted work, covering horse behavior and care, beginner riding skills, teamwork, responsibility and safety.
The Horses and Staff
SPUR says its instructors are certified by PATH International. Program Director Laurie Kelley and instructor Jackie West are each listed as a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor and a Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. The site lists several more PATH Intl. certified instructors, a program coordinator and a team of animal attendants.
The herd is mostly Quarter Horses, with several other breeds. The county notes that many of the horses were donated.
History
The program grew out of a grassroots effort in the late 1970s and began using the Park System's showground at East Freehold Park in 1978. SPUR was incorporated in 1981. After stops at Thompson Park and Huber Woods Park, the program moved to the new Sunnyside Equestrian Center in 2002. SPUR has helped fund the center's construction, scholarships, therapy horses, riding equipment and instructor training.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 14 and older serve as horse leaders and sidewalkers. They complete a four-hour training workshop and commit to at least one hour a week for an eight-week session. The county says more than 100 volunteers help each year.
Location
Lessons take place at Sunnyside Equestrian Center, 628 Middletown-Lincroft Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738. The center is owned by the Monmouth County Park System and sits in the 135-acre Sunnyside Recreation Area. It has an 18-stall stable, an outdoor ring, an 80 by 200 foot indoor arena, classrooms and a viewing area overlooking the arena.
Mail goes to Monmouth County Park System, Attn: Sunnyside Equestrian Center, 805 Newman Springs Road, Lincroft, NJ 07738.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I enroll a new rider?
Download the New Student Application from SPUR's website (a Spanish version is offered) or call (732) 224-1367, ext. 1 to request a copy. Each session has an application deadline, and applications that arrive late go on a waitlist for the next available session.
When are sessions held?
SPUR lists four eight-week sessions a year: fall, an intersession, winter and spring. Applications are accepted year-round.
Is help with the cost available?
Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can apply. SPUR says awards cover 25% to 100% of the program cost, depending on household income and available funding. For scholarship questions, call (732) 224-1367, ext. 2.
Who do I contact with questions?
Program Director Laurie Kelley handles program, new student and volunteer questions at (732) 224-1367, ext. 1.
Location
Lincroft, New Jersey 07738
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.