Gait

GAIT's mission is to improve the quality of life of children and adults with special needs through equine activities and therapies. Our goal is to help participants achieve greater independence in society. We believe that horses provide a unique and effective therapeutic environment that allows individuals to learn and grow in a variety of ways.

Why Horses?

Horses are remarkable creatures that offer countless benefits to those who work with them. The interactions between horse and rider allow participants to explore their environment and gain new life skills through experiential learning. The natural three-dimensional movement of the horse cannot be replicated in any other therapeutic setting. The constant motion of the horse engages both the mind and body, motivating the rider to stay focused while strengthening core muscles, increasing flexibility, and engaging the mind.

About the GAIT Horses

GAIT utilizes specially trained horses that have been carefully selected for temperament, soundness, and equilateral movement. Each horse is thoroughly vetted and must meet specific criteria before being accepted into the program. The health and happiness of our horses, as well as the safety of our riders and volunteers, are of the utmost importance.

Our horses are unique individuals, each with their own personality and needs. We are proud to maintain a herd of seven very special horses, and we rely on our Horse Sponsorship Program to help offset the high costs of vet care, farrier visits, basic necessities, and individual needs. The cost of sponsorship is $2000/year, and there are a couple of ways to sponsor one of our horses.

Horse Sponsorship Program

#1 You can sponsor a horse outright for $2000 for the year. This covers the cost of food and routine medical care. You will receive updates on the horse you sponsor throughout the year and the opportunity to meet and greet him/her. You will receive a photo of the horse and a personalized thank you gift, suitable for display. You will also receive the benefits of GAIT's Gold Membership, including name recognition (newsletter, webpage, social media), a GAIT cap, an invitation to a members-only event, and early access to invitations for GAIT sponsored events.

#2 You can form a partnership with others to reach the $2000 sponsorship level. The organizing partner will receive a GAIT cap, and all the sponsors will be recognized as stated above. The partnership can schedule a time to be photographed with the horse.

Meet Our Horses

Laddie, also known as "Kings Boy Laddie, " is a thoroughbred who was born around 2005. He has been sponsored for 2024 by Lena & Mo Masri. Laddie is a gentle and willing horse who is a favorite among our riders. He has a smooth gait and is a pleasure to ride. Laddie is a bay color and stands at 15.2 hands tall.

We are grateful to all of our horse sponsors for their generosity and support. Their contributions help us to continue providing life-changing experiences for children and adults with special needs.