DreamPower Horsemanship
Gilroy, California
DreamPower Horsemanship is the program name of the DreamPower Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on Crews Road in Gilroy, California. It provides equine-facilitated psychotherapy and therapeutic horsemanship for children, teens, adults and elders with mental, emotional, behavioral or complex medical needs, and runs free support groups for military veterans.
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (individual, group and family)
- Therapeutic horseback riding
- Horses for Warriors veterans groups
- Carriage driving lessons
- Vaulting for mental health
- DreamPower summer camp
- Equine Empowerment for Elders
- LEOS Project for law enforcement families
- Children with special needs
- Children with autism or ADHD
- Children with anxiety
- Teens
- Adults
- Military veterans
- Elders with dementia
- Law enforcement officers and families
More about this center
About the Program
DreamPower started in August 2002, according to a 2015 Morgan Hill Life profile, and has held federal tax-exempt status since 2003. That profile describes founder Martha McNiel, now listed as executive director in the organization's 2024 tax filing, as a licensed marriage and family therapist, and reported that six licensed psychotherapists and eight pre-licensed volunteers worked with the children at the time.
Program listings include equine-assisted psychotherapy for children through elders, therapeutic riding for children 5 and up with special needs, vaulting classes for ages 6 to 18, a one-week summer camp for ages 5 to 16, and small groups such as Saddle Friends (ages 9 to 11 with autism or ADHD) and Plucky Ponies (children with anxiety). Horses for Warriors is listed as free weekly support groups for veterans of all branches and eras.
Volunteering
Volunteers age 14 and older attend a monthly orientation, and high school, college and community service hours are available. Current volunteers can take free ground-based horse-handling classes through the Leadership 2 Partnership program.
Location
DreamPower is located at 7445 Crews Rd, Gilroy, CA 95020, in southeast Gilroy near Highway 152. A 2015 profile describes about 10 leased acres with two fenced riding areas, a small circular riding area and a group counseling gazebo.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How do I start therapeutic riding at DreamPower?
Therapeutic horseback riding is listed for children age 5 and up with special needs, and an initial evaluation is required. Call (408) 686-0535 to ask about openings.
How much does it cost?
Horses for Warriors veterans groups are listed as free; for other programs, call (408) 686-0535. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Is DreamPower a nonprofit?
Yes. It operates as the DreamPower Foundation Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 30-0154433).
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers must be at least 14 and attend a monthly orientation.
Location
Gilroy, California 95020
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.