$4M
Campaign Goal
Unbridled Potential
The Campaign to Build an Arena and Barn for All Abilities
Help us build a modern, heated indoor arena and adaptive stable that will transform lives year-round for people with disabilities in Southern Wisconsin.
Empowering Our Community, One Ride at a Time
For over 43 years, Three Gaits has provided life-changing therapeutic riding and equine-assisted programs. Now, we're ready to build a facility as bright and filled with spirit as the riders themselves—ensuring year-round programming and welcoming more from our waitlist.
43+
Years of Service
Serving people of all ages in Southern Wisconsin
2000+
Annual Lessons
Delivered annually across all programs
100+
Volunteers
Donating thousands of hours each year
60+
On Waitlist
Families waiting to join our programs
Who is Three Gaits?
Three Gaits is a Premier Accredited Center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Int'l.) located in Stoughton, WI. For over 43 years, Three Gaits has provided therapeutic riding, horsemanship, occupational and physical therapy (aka "hippotherapy"), Riding in the Moment™, and equine-assisted learning to people of all ages living with a disability.
Through our programs, participants gain measurable strength and confidence, meet occupational, physical and speech therapy goals, and develop life skills that positively impact their lives outside of our barn. Participants accomplish these goals in a positive environment surrounded by nature, a supportive community and with their equine partner.
Throughout its history, Three Gaits has helped thousands of children and adults throughout Southern Wisconsin with physical, emotional, and intellectual disabilities. Over the years, Three Gaits has grown and now offers over 2,000 lessons and therapies each year. Our programs are tailored to the individual needs of each of our clients and each participant is encouraged to strive for what is possible.
Therapeutic Impact
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Our participants gain measurable strength and confidence, meet occupational, physical and speech therapy goals, and develop life skills that positively impact their lives outside of our barn. Each session is tailored to individual needs in a positive environment surrounded by nature, a supportive community, and their equine partner.
Community & Volunteers
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Three Gaits is made up of a tightknit community of rider families, staff members, champions of our mission, and over 100 program volunteers that donate thousands of hours each year to lead horses in lessons, walk beside riders to provide support when needed, help groom and tack up horses for lessons, and tackle projects around the farm.
Donor Support
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Three Gaits is supported by a vibrant and dedicated community of donors whose generosity forms the foundation of everything we do. Every gift—large or small—helps us continue providing life-changing programs to those who need them most.
Why Build a New Arena and Barn?
The Challenge
Three Gaits currently provides its services and programs within an aging indoor arena that is small, lacks heat and insulation, and that is near a busy road. The size and proximity to the road create meaningful challenges, but perhaps the greatest challenge is that it is not heated.
Because of this, we must close our doors during the cold Wisconsin winter months which results in detrimental gaps in participants' therapy and goal development and create lengthy waitlists to join our life-changing programs.
"For many of our riders, their time at Three Gaits is the thing they look forward to the most throughout their week. Having the ability to provide a purposefully built space that is as bright and filled with spirit as the riders are, is of great importance to achieving our vision."
Over 60 people currently on waitlist
Winter closures interrupt critical therapy programs
Current facility limits program growth and capacity
Why now?
While the therapeutic benefits of our existing programs are undeniable, our existing facilities make growth to meet our community's demand nearly impossible. With over 60 people currently on a waitlist, there is a clear need to expand our program capacity.
With the addition of a heated indoor riding arena, therapy and education spaces, a modern stable, and administrative program support areas, Three Gaits can meet the demands of today and tomorrow.
The New Facility Will Include:
• Heated indoor riding arena
• Dedicated therapy and classroom spaces
• Modern, adaptive stable
• Administrative program support areas
• Year-round programming capability
Our Vision: A Modern Facility for All Abilities
To allow our organization to better serve our participants by offering year-round programming, to ensure sustainable growth in line with demand, and to deliver our services at the level we aspire to, we are seeking support for our capital campaign to construct a modern, heated indoor arena, facilities with dedicated therapy and classroom spaces, and an adaptive stable to expand our riders' personal growth.
What This New Space Will Allow Us To Do
- Offer lessons and therapy year-round
- Welcome more riders from our waitlist
- Create even greater achievements for participants
- Ensure our programs remain strong for years
- Provide dedicated therapy and classroom spaces
- House our horses in a modern, adaptive stable
- Support staff with proper administrative areas
- Deliver services at the level we aspire to
The Investment
Creating these necessary spaces will take a community-wide effort and investment of $4 million. Together, we can bring more hope, more joy, and more possibilities to our community.
How Your Gift Makes a Difference
Every gift brings us one step closer to our goal and is greatly appreciated. Your support will directly impact the lives of riders and their families throughout Southern Wisconsin.
With Your Support, We Will:
Offer programs year-round to enable greater goal achievement
Eliminate winter closures that interrupt critical therapy programs
Provide a bright, modern space that reflects the spirit of our participants
Create dedicated therapy and education spaces for optimal outcomes
Ensure our horses are housed in a modern, adaptive stable
Build a sustainable future for therapeutic riding in our community
Ways to Give
Together, we can bring more hope, joy and possibilities
Donate Online
Make a secure online donation through our giving platform. Your gift is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Other Ways to Give
Mail a Check:
Make checks payable to: Three Gaits, Inc.
Mail to: Three Gaits, Inc.
Attn: New Facility Fund
3741 State Rd. 138
Stoughton, WI 53589
Pledge Over Time:
Gifts can be made in multiple installments over 1, 2, or 3 years.
Questions?
Contact Jolie Hope, Executive Director
Phone: 608-877-9086
Email: jolie@three-gaits.org
The Rider Experience
"For many of our riders, their time at Three Gaits is the thing they look forward to the most throughout their week."
Imagine a child who struggles with physical challenges finding strength and confidence on horseback. Picture an adult with disabilities developing life skills and independence while spending time with horses.. Envision families finding community, support, and hope.
This is what Three Gaits provides every day—and with your help, we can provide these experiences year-round in a facility designed specifically for accessibility, comfort, and therapeutic excellence.
Naming Opportunities & Donor Recognition
We are honored to recognize our donors for their support and offer special naming opportunities for major gifts. Your family name or the name of a loved one can be permanently associated with spaces that will transform lives for generations.
Indoor Riding Arena
Classroom Spaces
Outdoor Spaces
Therapy Rooms
Stable Areas
And More
Donor Recognition Options
We consider it an honor to recognize our donors for their support. Donors will be recognized on our website, in campaign materials, and at our facility.
Listed by Your Name
As you prefer
In Honor or Memory
Of a loved one
Anonymous
If you prefer
Three Gaits, Inc.
Empowering Our Community
One Ride at a Time
PATH International Premier Accredited Center
Serving Southern Wisconsin since 1982
Contact Us
3741 State Road 138
Stoughton, WI 53589
Phone: 608-877-9086
Email: jolie@three-gaits.org
© 2025 Three Gaits, Inc. All rights reserved. | A PATH International Premier Accredited Center | Your contribution is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.