HorsePower was co-founded in March 2012 by Carrie Capes and Justin Yahnig to provide creative, inspiring, and challenging therapeutic horseback riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. In 2013, Horsepower achieved 501(c)3 nonprofit status allowing us to reach more participants with a need for our programs.
Physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges no longer need to stand in the way of those with special needs who dream about getting into the saddle and making a connection with a special horse. We strive to show our participants the horse's power to change us, inside and out! Individualized lesson programs include mounted and unmounted horsemanship, private and semi-private horseback riding instruction, meaningful interaction with smaller animals in our Critter Connections area, field trips, and camps. We also provide non-disabled riders the extra support they may desire as well as carefully trained, reliable horses and a safe, fun environment in which to learn.
Therapeutic horseback riding is a dynamic recreational activity in which individuals with special needs are able to overcome challenges and learn new skills. Communication, connection, and teamwork between the participant and their horse offers opportunities for physical, emotional, cognitive, sensory and social growth. Plus, the horse provides irresistible motivation which allows participants to achieve more in the saddle than other traditional sports and therapies.
HorsePower riding participants are taught to ride with ever-increasing levels of independence. Trained volunteer horse leaders and side-walkers are provided initially, and slowly pulled away over time as the rider demonstrates the ability to safely guide their own horse. All participants are encouraged to schedule adequate time to learn how to groom and tack their horse prior to the lesson....enriching the bond and providing additional opportunities for skill acquisition.
Thank you to Carrie and the HP Team, our Therapeutic Riding Program has seen significant growth and in addition to our TR lessons, now includes Ranch Connections (a trauma informed program offered to individuals impacted by trauma and adversity), Critter Connections ( a 1:1 program with our smaller animals), and EAL (Equine Assisted Learning); all consisting of private and semi-private weekly lessons. Since our inception, our program has grown from 4 participants to 72, plus our waitlist. We have a 12-person board of directors, and a staff of 1 full-time, 9 part-time employees (including 6 PATH-certified Instructors, 1 Natural Lifemanship Equine professional, 1 Animal Assisted Activities professional, 2 Equine Managers and an Office Manager), who are supported by a volunteer army of over 100 dedicated individuals. Our lesson programs have served participants in Kane, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall and Cook counties. Carrie officially retired in 2022, but created a sustainable and growing program that will continue to serve many participants in the future!
