Three Gaits, Inc. Therapeutic Horsemanship Center

Three Gaits provides effective therapeutic horsemanship programs for children, youth, and adults with disabilities and special needs. Three Gaits uses equine oriented activities to promote and enhance the development of each rider's cognitive, physical, and communicative abilities, and positive self-esteem. Through a variety of programs and classes, Three Gaits strives to serve all interested individuals within Dane County and the surrounding area.

Three Gaits was started in 1983 by two women with one horse and eight riders.
Community response to the program was enthusiastic, and by 1986, Three Gaits gained sufficient support to obtain a mortgage for their 20-acre farm located just south of Madison near Stoughton. Today, approximately fifteen program horses, a large number of volunteers, and a limited, yet very dedicated staff provide more than 400 children, youth and adults each year the opportunity to extend therapy, special education and interpersonal skill development into the horsemanship experience through group lessons, day camp, individual and group therapy.

Since 2002, Three Gaits has been accredited under the Premier Accredited Center Program offered by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. This means it demonstrates the highest standards when introducing individuals with special needs to a variety of equestrian activities, with a commitment to safety and the highest professional standards. Those benefiting from Therapeutic Horsemanship suffer from conditions such as Muscular Dystrophy,
Cerebral Palsy,
Visual Impairment,
Down Syndrome,
Mental Retardation,
Autism,
Multiple Sclerosis,
Spina Bifida,
Emotional Disabilities,
Brain Injuries,
Spinal Cord Injuries,
Amputations,
Learning Disabilities,
Attention Deficit Disorder,
Deafness,
and Cardiovascular accident/Stroke.

This is a hands-on, hard-working organization that makes great use of its enthusiastic volunteers in program assistance, facility upkeep, fundraising and horse care. One third of its funds come from program charges; two thirds must come from grants and donations.

Our donation of $5000 will be directed to the tuition assistance fund to help families who cannot afford the full cost of having a child participate in a Three Gaits program.

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