Prairie Strides Inc. was founded in 1977. We are a charitable, non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that provides the unique experience of Accessible horseback riding to children living with disabilities.

Our Riders range from five to fifteen years, with disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and ADHD, to name a few. This adaptive riding nurtures physical well-being and provides psychological and social stimulation.

We strive to help our riders achieve the most physical and psychological benefits they can from being around animals and our equine partners, the horse.

Riding's physical benefits include improving balance and coordination, strengthening muscular control and posture, increasing circulation, quickening reflexes and preventing contractions. Psychologically, riding helps advance self-confidence and self-esteem by achieving individual goals, developing an emotional bond between horse and rider and increasing the rider’s ability to focus and multitask. Interacting with their side walkers, instructors, and other riders helps our riders cultivate their social skills and ability to follow simple instructions.

We have watched our riders’ lives change for the better as their bodies strengthen and they become more independent and confident, achieving a sense of belonging and, most importantly, the brilliant smiles they bring to every lesson. Prairie strides continues to strive to help to make a difference in the lives of many families by providing this unique and beneficial program. Our Families express their gratitude to the program and volunteers as they see the great advances adaptive riding has made for their child. For many riders, our program is the only extracurricular activity outside of school that they can participate in.

Like all Non-profits, we struggle to keep funds rolling in, and keep our kids in the saddle.  Every bit of help is appreciated.  The future of our organization depends on it.