"...I saw kids who were completely non-verbal begin to use words for the first time. Kids with autism became more focused and attentive. I watched people whose lives were spent looking up from a wheelchair develop a new sense of confidence as they smiled down from the back of a horse. I marveled as people who started out with almost no core trunk strength improved so dramatically that they could actually post a trot with little or no help. And I also discovered the true reason that God had brought beautiful horses into my life, and had helped me survive a catastrophic illness. He had a plan, and that plan was BraveHearts".

~Marge Tautkus Gunnar
Founder

Our Vision

Bringing hope, joy and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse.

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View Our Videos

Click on the video below to view the BraveHearts veterans. To view in larger screen, click on the YouTube logo.

If you would like to obtain a DVD of this video, please email us at generalinfo@braveheartsriding.org.

PATH International

BraveHearts is a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.).Premier Accredited Center at both locations.

Our veterans program operates under the auspices of PATH Intl. Equine Services for Heroes.

News and Highlights

BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre Hosting Open House

Sunday, June 2, 2013 • 1:00—3:00 P.M.

Come and see what we’re all about! Click here for more details.

BraveHearts Conference
Serving with Purpose: Serving Veterans to the Best of our Abilities

Friday, August 2, 2013 – Sunday, August 4, 2013

A conference to enlighten therapeutic riding instructors, equine specialists, therapists specializing in hippotherapy, health professionals, veterans and their families.

Click here to download the conference brochure.

Click here to download the conference registration form.

Click here for conference sponsorship opportunities.

NOTE: You must have Adobe Reader in order to view our brochures. If you do not have Adobe Reader, click here to download it for free.

 

Buck Brannaman Clinic & Fundraiser

Buck Brannaman, internationally recognized horse trainer and clinician, joins BraveHearts, on Saturday, October 12, 2013, at 3:00pm!

Be one of a limited number to attend a colt starting and horsemanship demonstration at BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre in Poplar Grove, IL.

Following the demonstration, join us for a fun and rockin’ Western style barbecue beginning at 5:00pm.

Auction, live music and plenty of fun is planned to benefit BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center.

Limited tickets go on sale June 1!
Tickets at $75 each of which $50 is tax deductible.

Click here to download the event flyer.

BraveHearts Honored with Excellence Award

Passages Hospice honored BraveHearts with their Excellence Award on November 20, stating:

“It is presented to BraveHearts for the dedication of bringing joy and comfort to hospice patients in your community through your equine therapy program and your compassionate staff.  Given in thanks November 2012.”

 

 

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Ribbon Level Sponsor: Carol Hafeman, CPHRM
 

Our Partners

Alexian Brothers Medical Center    •     American Hippotherapy Association    •     Becca’s Legacy    •     Belvidere Park District    •    Canine Companions    •    Capt. James Lovell VA Hopsital
Division of Specialized Care for Children    •     Easter Seals   •    Experience Works    •    Fort Sheridan 1st Cavalry Division    •  Hines VA Hospital    •   Jesse Brown VA Hospital    •    Lake-McHenry County Veterans' Initiative    •     Linden Oaks at Edward Hospital Madison VA Outpatient Clinic    •     McHenry County Adult Program   •    Midwest Renegades    •    Milwaukee VA Hospital   •   National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification    •    Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging    •     North Boone School District    •     Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association    •     Oak Park Vet Center    •   Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship   •    Provider Connections    •    International & Equine Services for Heroes  •   Rockford Passages Hospice    •     Regional Access and Mobilization Project    •     Regional Alternative School, Winnebago County    •     Road Ranger, USA    •     Rockford VA Outpatient Clinic    •     Salute, Inc.    •    Seguin Services, Inc.    •     Senior Community Services Employment Program  •   Special Education District of McHenry County    •     Special Olympics of Illinois    •    The Heart of a Marine Foundation    •    William Shatner's Hollywood Charity Horse Show    •    Wounded Warriors