Spring 2026 Newsletter
Greetings from Three Gaits! It is officially the year of the Fire Horse representing a combination of ambition, dynamic energy, and independence and ushering in a period of bold decision-making and transformative change. Everywhere we look around our farm, elements of each of these characteristics are easy to find.
- Ambition: We are proud of our riders. They have worked hard and accomplished countless goals geared towards gaining strength, coordination, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Dynamic Energy: Thirteen specially trained program horses frolic in well cared for fields and turnouts by day and provide emotional and physical support for their riders during programs.
- Independence: This upcoming program term, seasoned riders will graduate to riding independently, riders will learn to hold their own reins, and participants will use the skills and strength they have gained at Three Gaits to enhance their lives away from the barn.
- Decision Making: Through the support of The Kids Fund, more participants will be able to join our equine-assisted learning program this summer building confidence, learning to advocate for themselves, and problem solving alongside their trusted horse partner.
- Transformative Change: Our plans to bring a heated indoor riding arena and new accessible barn are well underway. These new facilities are being carefully designed with our riders’ needs in mind and will allow us to address the ever-growing waitlists to join our life-changing programs!
Our annual Walk Trot Toast Fundraiser will take place this year on Sunday, September 13th. Please save the date and join us as we celebrate what will certainly be a wonderful year!
MEET STEELE & ASTRID
It’s the Year of the Horse at Three Gaits – changing lives one ride at a time. Everywhere we look around our farm this year, we see ambition, dynamic energy, and transformative change, and Steele and Astrid are already a big part of that story.
Three Gaits’ newest program horses have already had an incredible impact! Their sturdy stature and calm dispositions make them favorites with our Riding in the Moment™ and therapeutic lesson riders. They are both looking for an annual sponsor to help ensure they continue to receive top level care. Sponsors are recognized on individual stalls and on the Three Gaits website – it’s a fun way to support our hard-working herd. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at 608-877-9086 or email jolie@three-gaits.org.
Annual Horse Sponsorship = $3,000. A year of life-changing experiences for riders = immeasurable.
Whether you participate in our programs, volunteer your time, advocate for our mission, or support our work through charitable gifts, thank you for being part of the Three Gaits family!
Everyday at Three Gaits, individuals with disabilities grow, gain confidence, and experience joy. Our small but mighty staff cannot do this alone, however. To make a gift to continue your support of Three Gaits, click here, or download the donation form below.
We hope you will keep in touch and join us as we build an even brighter future for those living with a disability in our community!
Meet Three Gaits Volunteer, Christine: “I came to Three Gaits from seeing the road sign! I value therapy in all forms, enjoy working in youth programming, and love every second learning from the people and amazing horses at Three Gaits. The support here is phenomenal. I feel lucky to be here!”
WALK TROT TOAST FUNDRAISER
It’s the Year of the Horse at Three Gaits – changing lives one ride at a time. Save the date and join us in celebrating our riders and horses at this year’s Walk Trot Toast!
WHY OUR PROGRAMS WORK
Have you ever wondered why our programs are so impactful? Equine-assisted programs don’t isolate a single goal. They integrate physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development simultaneously – in an environment that naturally draws people in.
Motivation, Confidence & Life Skills – All at Once!
“Our son is peaceful when he’s with the horses and his mind is always in motion, so seeing him focused and calm is really lovely.”
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Over the past many months, we have welcomed back both familiar and new faces into our volunteer team. Volunteers are not required to have horse experience to volunteer in lessons, and it is truly a joy to watch how naturally and instinctively long-time volunteers mentor those with less experience. Interested in learning more about volunteering at Three Gaits? Click here!
Our annual Walk Trot Toast Fundraiser will take place this year on Sunday, September 13th. Join us as we celebrate our riders, honor our volunteers, and raise critical support for our horses and programs that support our mission.
We simply could not offer our programs without the dedication and generosity of our volunteer community and as an organization we are committed to ensuring we provide a positive environment that recognizes and appreciates this team’s efforts. Thank you to the over 100 active volunteers that have donated thousands of hours of their time to sidewalk and lead in lessons, share their expertise and talent on committees, and to roll up their sleeves to plant, mow, and tackle projects of the farm.
Interested in learning more about volunteering at Three Gaits? Click here!
Wishing you a fun-filled summer!
Jolie Hope
Executive Director
jolie@three-gaits.org
(608) 877-9086