Teddy the quarter horse probably wouldn’t like to come nose to headlight with a dirt bike, but as part of Helping Hands and Hooves, he will certainly benefit from them.

The Pilgrim Sands Trail Riders recently donated $500 collected during races to the Mattapoisett-based therapeutic horseback riding program.

For a decade Helping Hands has worked with disabled adults who are part of SAIL, the Supporting Adults for Inclusive Living Program, in New Bedford.

Founders Julie Craig and Debbie Dyson started the program at Craig's farm after learning that many governmental services end for disabled adults when they turn 22. Additionally, most therapeutic riding programs are open to kids only.

“We realized there’s not a lot for adults with disabilities,” said Craig. “We want people who couldn’t otherwise afford horseback riding lessons.”

Craig and Dyson offer the program free of charge and volunteer their services.

Pilgrim Sands organizers Bruce Rocha Jr. and Jodie Bauer chose Helping Hands for its work and its location. The group holds two races each year at the Mattapoisett Transfer Station.

“We like to donate to somebody in town every year,” said Rocha. “We search to find groups that can use the funding.”

The funds will be a great help, Craig and Dyson said. The organization receives no federal or state funding. The majority of donations come from individuals and fundraising events such as the annual Christmas morning polar plunge.

All funds go to the program itself, said Craig. Two sets of students visit the Craigs’ farm on Aucoot Road, four on Tuesday and another four on Thursday. Each adult gets the chance to ride Teddy, a “good all around horse.”

The students, some who have been part of the program since it began, get an emotional and physical benefit from their weekly lessons.

After spending time with the horses and Craigs’ dogs, one young woman felt so comfortable with animals that she got a job at Petco.

Another student who cannot see, hear or speak is right at home on Teddy and always gives a smile and a thumbs up when he get in the saddle.

And a new student who has only been part of the program for a year is preparing to ride unassisted in her first Special Olympics come September.

“We’ve known them so long, they’re like family now,” said Craig. “It goes way beyond just riding a horse.”

That attitude is something that Pilgrim Sands wants to promote, said Rocha.

“We like to keep them as active as we are.”