Bob and Timi Burmood started their first riding program through the Kalispell CDC in 1989, utilizing the arena of Dr. Little.  Then in 1991, S.A.M.S. Riders, Inc. opened its doors, and its heart, on seven and one-half acres on Lore Lake Road in Kalispell, MT.  In 1994, the Governor’s Development Disabilities Planning & Advisory Council awarded a start-up grant to S.A.M.S. Riders to design and implement another program in Eureka, MT.  That program continued for 15 years without continued government support. 

 

Since its inception, S.A.M.S. Riders has contributed to the community beyond the scope of therapeutic sessions in an effort to promote recognition and the value of equine-facilitated therapy.  They have participated in numerous workshop presentations and demonstrations throughout Montana, including a week-long training workshop in Havre, MT to facilitate implementation of a similar program there, as well as a two-day in-service training workshop for Flathead County teachers.  They have also been invited speakers at:

Autism Conference

Medicaid-Medicare Conference at Big Sky

State Head Injury Group

State Home School Conference

Whitefish Rotary

Pathways

 

S.A.M.S. Riders has had many volunteers over the years, but one, in particular, was fortunate enough to step into a very important role.  She fell in love with the program the moment she started volunteering and when Bob and Timi said it was time to retire, she was determined to ensure that their legacy lived on.  In 2015, they decided to hand over the reins to Lynnette Holmes (MS, OTR/L) who was able to honor their program's beliefs and values and continues to use Bob and Timi's mentorship and guidance to provide these incredible services.  She is an Occupational Therapist who grew up around horses and has always loved helping people.  Although her program now has a different name (Therapy In Motion) and a new location, she strongly believes in the power of the hearts and souls of her predecessors, which will continue to impact the lives of the people she serves.  She is able to provide adaptive riding services as well as occupational therapy services integrating the use of equine movement, which allows some of the services offered to be reimbursable by insurance, which was formerly not an option.