Equestrian Connection is a nonprofit equine-assisted services organization located in Lake Forest, Illinois, dedicated to improving the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children and adults through horse-assisted therapies and programs. Founded in 2001, the organization serves individuals with a wide range of special needs, disabilities, developmental challenges, and mental health conditions through evidence-based equine-assisted interventions led by licensed therapists, certified instructors, and trained volunteers.
For more than two decades, Equestrian Connection has provided innovative therapeutic services that harness the unique connection between humans and horses. The organization offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, mental health programs, job skills training, and other specialized services designed to help participants build confidence, independence, communication skills, physical strength, and emotional resilience.
About This Program
Equestrian Connection provides a comprehensive range of equine-assisted services tailored to the unique goals and abilities of each participant. Programs are designed to support physical, cognitive, emotional, behavioral, developmental, and social growth through structured interactions with horses in a safe and supportive environment. Licensed occupational, physical, and speech therapists work alongside PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructors to deliver individualized services.
The organization’s approach emphasizes meaningful relationships, skill development, and personal achievement. Whether participants are receiving clinical therapy, adaptive riding instruction, mental health support, or vocational training, programs are customized to help individuals reach their fullest potential while experiencing the therapeutic benefits of working with horses.
Services Offered
- Hippotherapy
- Therapeutic riding
- Adaptive riding instruction
- Occupational therapy utilizing equine movement
- Physical therapy utilizing equine movement
- Speech-language therapy utilizing equine movement
- Equine-facilitated psychotherapy
- Mental health counseling programs
- Group mental health programs
- Job skills training and Wrangler programs
- Life skills development
- Art therapy programs
- Community engagement programs
- Volunteer opportunities
- Special events and celebrations
- Equine-assisted learning experiences
- Veteran and adult support programs
Who They Serve
Equestrian Connection may be good for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
- Seniors
- Individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Individuals with ADHD
- Individuals with cerebral palsy
- Individuals with Down syndrome
- Individuals with developmental delays
- Individuals with sensory processing challenges
- Individuals with speech and language disorders
- Individuals with traumatic brain injuries
- Individuals with spinal cord injuries
- Individuals with multiple sclerosis
- Individuals with Parkinson’s disease
- Individuals with anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Veterans
- Individuals seeking adaptive riding opportunities
- Families seeking equine-assisted therapeutic services
Facility and Setting
Equestrian Connection operates from a large therapeutic equestrian facility in Lake Forest, Illinois. The campus includes a heated indoor riding arena, outdoor riding areas, therapy rooms, trails, educational spaces, and additional facilities designed to support a variety of equine-assisted programs. The setting provides a welcoming and accessible environment where participants, families, volunteers, and horses can thrive.
The organization serves individuals from throughout the greater Chicago region and surrounding communities. The facility is designed to accommodate participants with a wide range of abilities while maintaining a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and individualized support.
What Makes Them Unique
Equestrian Connection stands out for its multidisciplinary approach that combines licensed therapy services, adaptive riding instruction, mental health support, vocational programming, and equine-assisted learning under one organization. This allows participants to access a broad spectrum of services tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Another distinguishing feature is its long-standing commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Founded by Diana Schnell after witnessing the benefits of hippotherapy for her own children, the organization has grown into one of the region’s leading equine-assisted service providers while maintaining a mission of serving individuals regardless of their financial circumstances.