BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center
Harvard, Illinois
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, established in 2002, with farms in Harvard and Poplar Grove, Illinois. It lists therapeutic riding, occupational, physical and speech therapy using hippotherapy, and equine-assisted mental health therapy. It serves children and adults, and offers veteran programs at no cost to veterans.
- Therapeutic riding (year-round, in session blocks)
- Hippotherapy-based physical, occupational and speech therapy
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (mental health therapy)
- Veteran riding, groundwork and retreats
- Drill team and groundwork
- First responder program
- Volunteer and internship opportunities
- Children and adults with various diagnoses
- Military veterans
- Veterans' family members and caregivers
- First responders
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, therapeutic riding at BraveHearts is taught by PATH Intl. certified instructors and runs in session blocks so riders can build skills week to week. Riders may also take part in an annual horse show and the Special Olympics Equestrian Games.
The center says occupational, physical and speech therapy using hippotherapy is provided by licensed therapists, and that equine-assisted psychotherapy is provided by a licensed social worker or psychologist.
Veteran Programs
BraveHearts says all veteran services are offered at no cost to the veteran and one accompanying immediate family member or caregiver. Veterans can join group riding lessons Monday through Saturday and private mental health sessions, plus clinics, trail rides, drill team and retreats. See our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
Location
BraveHearts operates two farms. The Harvard farm, at 7319 Maxon Rd, Harvard, IL 60033, covers 20 acres with a heated indoor arena, a lighted outdoor arena and a covered round pen, and hosts veteran programming, therapeutic riding and retreats.
The Poplar Grove farm, at 4950 Route 173, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, has two heated indoor arenas and an ADA-accessible building, and hosts therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, mental health therapy and veteran programming.
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 get started?
BraveHearts uses online inquiry forms on its website for therapeutic riding, therapy services and veteran programs. Non-veteran children and adults can call 815.765.2113 or email services@braveheartsriding.org; veterans can call 815.943.8226.
Is there a minimum age?
The website says therapeutic riders must be 4 years old, and individuals must be 3 or older to be on horseback for therapy services.
How much does it cost?
The center says therapeutic riding is not covered by insurance, and its website says riding is 78% subsidized, with a scholarship fund for riders with significant need. Occupational, physical and speech therapy may be billed through insurance. Call 815.765.2113 to ask, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Do veterans pay for services?
No. BraveHearts says all veteran services are free for the veteran and one accompanying immediate family member or caregiver.
Location
Harvard, Illinois 60033
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.