Nestled on 20 peaceful acres near Brooksville, Florida, Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center provides a safe and nurturing environment for children and families seeking alternative therapeutic options. Serving kids aged two to eighteen, Emerald M offers a variety of unique programs that harness the healing power of horses. To support the center’s mission, Hunter Industrial proudly donated their Titan HVLS fan for the state-of-the-art riding arena, ensuring a comfortable space for year-round therapeutic activities.
How Horses Support Healing
Led by Founder and Executive Director Lisa Michelangelo, MPT, and Director of Operations Lora Clements, Emerald M offers innovative programs tailored to meet each child’s unique needs.
One of their standout therapies is physical therapy incorporating hippotherapy, which uses the natural movement of horses to improve mobility for children with neuromotor and cognitive/communication challenges like cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, Down syndrome, autism, and behavioral disorders. Because a horse’s gait closely mirrors that of a human, this therapy is particularly effective in helping children strengthen muscles, improve balance, and enhance coordination—critical steps toward greater independence.
In addition to hippotherapy, Emerald M’s adaptive riding program helps children with physical or cognitive disabilities develop muscle strength, communication skills, and emotional well-being. The center taps into the unique connection that horses create, offering vital support to children facing challenges ranging from pediatric cancer to behavioral and emotional trauma.
Every therapy session at Emerald M is rooted in the core principles of hope, renewal, and growth. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the center relies on the generosity of supporters to continue its mission of helping children thrive.
A Partnership with Hunter Industrial
Emerald M’s impressive operation, built from the ground up to provide extraordinary healing, is a testament to the power of community support. Generous donations have allowed the center to fund everything from the expansive 8-stall barn, complete with feeding and tack rooms, to the equine-assisted learning center. In fact, when it came to further expanding its facilities with a covered riding arena, Emerald M looked to supporters to help spread the word.
Dennis Sanacore, Senior Vice President of Sales at Miner, a leader in warehousing and materials management, has built a strong relationship with Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center over the years. When he recognized the critical need for improved airflow in Emerald M’s new riding arena, he knew exactly who to contact. Leveraging Miner’s long-term partnership with Hunter Industrial, Dennis reached out to them, confident in their expertise in industrial fans and commitment to quality.
Thanks to this collaboration, Hunter Industrial donated their flagship Titan HVLS fan, ensuring the arena remains a comfortable and safe space for year-round therapeutic activities.
"As an organization that thrives on positively impacting our community and the children we serve, we are honored to partner with Hunter Fans! Hunter’s donation of a new 24-foot Titan for our covered arena allows us to continue providing equine-assisted therapies to our participants during these hot summer months. Although the fan is as big as a city truck, it is quieter than a mouse and causes no stress to our participants or equines. We are grateful to the team at Hunter for your donation, belief in our mission, and partnership," says Lora.
A Game-Changing HVLS Fan for Horse Barns
The Titan HVLS fan installed in Emerald M’s arena has truly been a game-changer, promoting even airflow throughout the space to create a consistently comfortable environment. This balanced distribution of air not only helps reduce bugs and odors—vital in Florida’s humid climate—but also creates a cooling effect, lowering the temperature by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooling power is essential for maintaining comfort, protecting against the harsh Florida sun, and ensuring that both participants and horses are shielded during sessions.
A standout feature of the Titan fan is its whisper-quiet operation, which is especially important in an environment like Emerald M, where noise sensitivity is a concern for both horses and participants. The low noise level helps maintain the serene and focused atmosphere needed for effective therapy sessions, allowing children and horses to interact in a calm, stress-free setting.
Thanks to the Titan HVLS fan, the center can now operate year-round, overcoming the challenges of intense summer heat that previously forced session cancellations. The fan’s ability to maintain a cooler environment has enabled continuous, uninterrupted operation, ensuring that Emerald M’s vital therapeutic services are available in every season.
“At Hunter, we’re committed to giving back to our communities and supporting organizations that truly make a difference, like Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center,” says Mark D’Agostino, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Hunter Industrial. “By providing our Titan HVLS fan, we’re proud to help create a comfortable, safe, and sustainable environment that enables Emerald M to continue their vital work with children and families.”
Emerald M Therapeutic Riding Center is where healing and hope come together, offering a unique environment where the gentle power of horses helps children grow and recover. The organization's dedication is evident in everything they do, from their thoughtfully designed programs to the peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel at home—truly delivering on their promise to provide hope, renewal, and growth.
Looking for a reliable way to keep your horse barn or facility cool and comfortable year-round? Hunter Industrial's HVLS fans are the perfect solution. With their powerful, energy-efficient design, these industrial fans offer unparalleled reliability and performance—ideal for any environment where comfort and tranquility are a priority. Reach out to explore the best HVLS or barn fan options for your space.