"...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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BraveHearts recently welcomed two new additions to our family!

PATH Intl.

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 is thrilled to welcome back friend, supporter and legendary actress Betty White for Hot in Hinsdale - Betty Paints the Town Red for BraveHearts!

Mark your calendars for a night of red-hot fun on Saturday, August 18, at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale.

Tickets can be purchased on our website or by calling Suzanne at 312.618.4302.

 

On Feb 11, 2012, Dr. & Mrs. Rolf Gunnar were presented with the Caring Heart Award from the Heart of A Marine Foundation. The Hearts of Valor Ball is a patriotic celebration of our military and veterans.

Dr. & Mrs. Gunnar were selected for this award due to their incredible commitment and ongoing services to our country's veterans. We are very proud of the both of them!

 

PATH Intl. has recognized BraveHearts rider Ryan Ohrmundt with the 2011 National Horses for Heroes Award. The award is given annually to outstanding representatives of the Horses for Heroes Community.

Congratulations, Ryan!

(Pictured at left are William Shatner, Ryan Ormundt & Elizabeth Shatner at the Lexington Junior League Charity Horse Show.)

 

Visit our Events page for news on "A White Hot Night with Betty White," held August 20, 2011, in Chicago.

BraveHearts has also received the following awards:

2011 Sedom Community Partnership Award
2011 NISRA Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Community Service Award

 

Our Partners

Alexian Brothers Medical Center    •     American Hippotherapy Association    •     Becca’s Legacy    •     Belvidere Park District    •     Canine Companions    •     Division of Specialized Care for Children    •     Easter Seals       Experience Works    •    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        Milwaukee VA Hospital   •   National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification    •    Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging    •     North Boone School District    •     North Chicago VA Hospital    •    Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association    •     Oak Park Vet Center    •   Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International & Horses 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    •    Zablocki VA Hospital

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