A designed therapy that feels more like Horsin’ Around

HorsePower is a nonprofit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that uses the influence of horses as a healing therapy to help individuals with different physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. We believe, and have witnessed, that horses have the power to change lives.

Through four forms of therapy, we help our riders conquer their specific challenges. Everyday we observe amazing transformations. Tense legs become more fluid; cramped muscles start to relax; slumped postures straighten; and children who have never spoken before become verbal. The joy horses bring to our clients is contagious and life-changing for everyone involved!

“We found HorsePower by accident in our never ending search for treatments for kids with low muscle tone. We had not yet received a diagnosis for our 3 year old son Paxton at the time, we just refused to accept that we couldn't do more to help him. Paxton was diagnosed with Ullrich Congentital Muscular Dystrophy in the fall of 2016. Ullrich Congentital Muscular Dystrophy affects the skeletal muscles causing weakness, stiff joints and hypermobility in their wrists and ankles. HorsePower has been an important piece of Paxton's success, assisting with his core strengthening, his hip joint range of motion also assisting with his balance due to his wobbly gait. We can't say enough in regards to Tammy, she is knowledgeable and caring. She knows how to connect with Paxton and does a great job identifying areas she can help him in. The staff is friendly and they genuinely care about their mission. Thank you HorsePower for what you do to improve the well being of people of all abilities, we are blessed because of you. ”

Jodi Hruby

“We have noticed several benefits that participating in Therapeutic Riding at HorsePower has provided our daughter with over the years. Physically she has gained strength in her core muscles and a better sense of balance. Mentally she has improved her sense of focus and her ability to follow instructions. Finally, she has gained a sense of responsibility and confidence that have raised her spirit and sense of purpose. ”

John Nohr

“My daughter and I have been volunteering weekly at HorsePower for 5 years! We absolutely love working with the students and sharing in their excitement! It is a joy to see the smiles on their faces and to witness how much progress is made during an 8 week session! It is a very rewarding experience and would definitely recoomend volunteering at HorsePower if you have a love for horses and helping others!”

Shelly Bartels & Sarah Newell

“HippoTherapy at HorsePower is probably the best therapy Davis receives. Davis has cerebral palsy and has difficulty with muscle stiffness, spasticity in all extremities, muscle coordination, and communication. He uses a wheelchair most of the time, can crawl limited distances, and needs a lot of assistance with most activities. Hippo therapy helps Davis in ALL these areas. HorsePower staff come up with new activities every week to work all areas of the body while riding. Riding helps Davis’ whole body loosen up so his muscles can engage and strengthen in appropriate ways. He is able to work on a variety of skills all at once such as engaging his core to stay upright while reaching for an object. Davis’ strength and coordination of his muscles has improved tremendously over the years with HorsePower. Davis has difficulty communicating, but once he gets on the horse, he talks non stop. He listens to instructions and can carry out tasks he normally couldn’t do off the horse. The biggest reason we love HorsePower is because Davis just loves being on the horse. There is something magical that happens between him and the horse. There are days when Davis is upset, tired from school, and crying when we get to the barn. But as soon as he gets on the horse, he gets a huge smile and is instantly happy. I think riding changes the way his body feels. I think riding gives him a sense of control and independence he can’t feel anywhere else. We are so grateful for HorsePower and the life changing benefits it gives Davis. Anne Harrington”

Anne Harrington

“"I am a volunteer for HorsePower and love what I do.My experience at HorsePower has been amazing. I have learned so much from the instructors and riders, let's just say when I leave my heart is full. This program really does help. I have seen tremendous improvement in the clients I have helped; from their core strength, to their vocabulary, to their range of motion. It has been a blessing for me to volunteer for HorsePower. I would recommend this program to both clients and volunteers!"”

Denise Van Dyke

““It is rare to see a man cry but it is even rarer to see a man who is all cried out. One morning when I was just starting I remember walking into the arena viewing area and there that man was. It was the dad of a little girl just happier than ever riding on top of Arrow. The dad came up to me, smiled and thanked me for working here. Anyone could have been going through it but that smile that he gave told me something else. That 30 minutes ride gave him and his daughter a period of time where he didn’t have to worry about all the things they had to worry about. This place is special.””

Langston Newton

““Charlie loves horsepower! I took him to most of his sessions and by the end of the season, as soon as I walked in the room to get him, he started smiling. He knew where we were going once we got in the van because he would smile the whole way there. When I pulled into the parking lot, his whole face lit up and he had the biggest smile. When he got inside he was still smiling and the staff even said that he is always smiling. Charlie really enjoyed riding on the horse all spring and summer and he loved the different activities. He did a great job of following and listening to the commands, he enjoyed setting things up for the horse, and loved brushing the horse. The staff even said that by the end of the summer he had improved so much with his strength and flexability. Charlie also really loves the one on one time with the teacher and volunteers.” - Charlie’s Caretaker ”

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A designed therapy that feels more like Horsin’ Around

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