About Us

Mission Statement

Striving to empower individuals with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities and limitations through safe, fun Equine Assisted Services.

Program Overview

The nature of our program is to provide weekly one-hour, supported riding lessons and experiences with tending to horses: grooming and tacking the horse, and riding based on each person’s ability. In addition to lessons, 25-30 of Jack Pine’s participants compete in the Area 5 Special Olympics competition and all participants showcase their accomplishments to family and friends at the end of the season show.

Because of the special needs of our participants, we provide riding assistance to those we serve — at lessons, competition, and in the showcase — sometimes accommodating them with as many as five assistants. Our lessons are usually provided in small groups of 2-5 participants at a cost of $10 per rider. This cost is significantly less than the typical therapeutic riding program in Minnesota, which averages $47 per hour.

Jack Pine Stables is blessed with a solid group of volunteers, some of whom have been with us from the beginning. We also employ high school and college students, giving them the opportunity to become involved with horses and individuals with disabilities. One of our employees’ “perks” is getting to ride the horses anytime they are not used for our riders to help keep our horses in good condition.

History

Jack Pine Stables, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was established in 2000 as a therapeutic horse riding program for people with special needs. The program is certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH), the largest and most reputable accrediting organization worldwide.

From humble beginnings, Jack Pine Stables has grown consistently from only four initial riders to the 45-55 riders currently served each summer. The riders ranges in age from 5 years to 75 years old with a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges and limitations, including high risk individuals.

In 2020, Jack Pines Stables moved from to its current facilities, “The Farm”, in Akeley, MN.

In 2022, Jack Pine Stables expanded services to youth from a residential treatment facility and other at-risk children.