WHAT ARE ADAPTIVE DRIVING SESSIONS?

A long time supporter of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and a gentleman that was instrumental in the Renaissance of the Jacksonville Zoo, Henry "Tip" Graham, CEO of the Scott McRae Group, proposed building a therapeutic riding center on the Cecil Recreational parcel. He had traveled around the United States researching various programs and designs. The management company of the JEC at that time, denied Mr. Graham's proposal. Shortly after his presentation, Mr. Graham was diagnosed with ALS. During his remaining years, he used horses as a part of his therapy, driving one-handed and using a ski rope to steer. Once NFES (North Florida Equestrian Society) took over the management contract for the JEC in 2014, we began our quest to fufill his dream, as well as that of the City of Jacksonville's Master Plan. The Graham family continues to support the program and have since donated Mr. Graham's adaptive carriage with a hydraulic lift to allow those in a wheelchair to have easy access. This Carriage remains with H.O.R.S.E. Therapies and is utilized in adaptive driving lessons.