Jack Pine Stables
Akeley, Minnesota
Jack Pine Stables is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit therapeutic horsemanship program in Akeley, Minnesota. Its website says it serves children and adults with physical, intellectual and emotional challenges, including high-risk individuals. Riders learn to groom, tack, care for and ride a horse suited to their abilities.
- Therapeutic horsemanship and riding
- Grooming, tacking and horse care
- Small-group summer sessions
- Mounted Eagles competition for some riders
- End-of-season gathering for families and friends
- Children and adults with physical challenges
- People with intellectual challenges
- People with emotional challenges
- Youth from a residential treatment facility and other at-risk children
More about this center
About the Program
Jack Pine Stables says it is certified through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). Its stated mission is to empower people with physical, intellectual and emotional challenges through safe, fun equine-assisted services.
According to its website, sessions run each summer, are usually offered in small groups, and combine hands-on activities with guided therapeutic riding. The season ends with a gathering where participants share their progress with family and friends.
History and Staff
The website says the program was founded in 2000 and began with four riders. Founder Kris Oppegaard is listed as a board member. In 2020 it moved to its current home, called The Farm, in Akeley, and in 2022 it expanded to include youth from a residential treatment facility and other at-risk children.
Teri Gapinski is listed as executive director and board chair. A 2021 Brainerd Dispatch article said she is certified by PATH Intl. That article and a 2022 Enbridge story said the stable has hosted rides for veterans and their families during an annual Wounded Warrior weekend.
Volunteering
The website says the program relies on volunteers, including people involved for many years as well as high school and college students. Contact the stable to ask about volunteering.
Location
Jack Pine Stables is at 23940 291st Ave., Akeley, MN 56433, in northern Minnesota. The Brainerd Dispatch reported in 2021 that the 40-acre site was donated by a local resident.
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 sign up?
Call (218) 820-0662 or email jackpinestables@gmail.com to ask about the next summer season. The website also has a contact form.
What ages can ride?
The website describes riders from young children (age 4 or 5) up to age 75. Ask the stable about the current minimum age.
What does it cost?
The website says sessions are kept affordable compared to similar programs. Call (218) 820-0662 for current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
When are sessions held?
The website says the program runs each summer. Specific dates and times are not posted, so call or email for the current schedule.
Location
Akeley, Minnesota 56433
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.