Exceptional Equestrians
De Pere, Wisconsin
Exceptional Equestrians is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in De Pere, Wisconsin. It offers hippotherapy with licensed clinicians, adaptive horsemanship, an equine-experiential youth program and outpatient therapy. The center serves children, teens and adults of all abilities across Northeastern Wisconsin.
- Hippotherapy with a licensed OT, PT or counselor
- Mental health hippotherapy with a licensed mental health professional
- Adaptive horsemanship in small groups
- Taking the Lead equine-experiential program (ages 10-17)
- Outpatient occupational, physical and speech therapy
- Monthly clinic with a pediatric rehabilitation physician
- Children age 2 and older
- Teens and adults
- People with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
- People with sensory processing disorders
- Children with autism or ADHD (outpatient OT)
- People with anxiety or depression
More about this center
About the Program
Hippotherapy at Exceptional Equestrians is one-to-one occupational therapy, physical therapy or psychotherapy counseling with the horse built into treatment. The website lists clients from age 2 into adulthood, including people with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sensory processing disorders, anxiety and depression. A mental health track uses mounted and unmounted work with a licensed mental health professional for concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction and trauma.
Adaptive horsemanship is beginner riding in a small group, taught by a PATH Intl. certified therapeutic riding instructor. Riders learn grooming, tacking, groundwork and rein use. Riders need to sit independently with head control and be medically stable. Taking the Lead is an off-horse program for ages 10 to 17, run as four weekly 90-minute sessions focused on communication, problem solving and teamwork.
The center also provides outpatient OT, PT and speech therapy for ages 2 and up. A pediatric rehabilitation medicine physician holds a monthly clinic on site.
The Horses and Staff
Pediatric occupational therapist Lisa Kafka founded the program in 1999 and serves as CEO. The hippotherapy page lists her as a certified hippotherapy clinical specialist and an equine specialist in mental health through PATH Intl. Michael Telzrow is the executive director. The team includes a registered occupational therapist, a certified occupational therapy assistant, a physical therapist assistant and PATH Intl. certified riding instructors.
The Meet Our Herd page lists 17 horses, from Percherons and Norwegian Fjords to a Pony of the Americas, along with two miniature donkeys.
History
The program started in 1999 with two horses in a privately owned outdoor space. It now has a temperature-controlled arena, treatment space, a gait analysis area, a parent observation area, sheltered drop-off and a playground for siblings. In 2026 it began building a 16,850-square-foot expansion with a new riding arena to make room for people on its waiting list.
Location
Exceptional Equestrians is at 1130 Orlando Drive, De Pere, WI 54115, serving families across Northeastern Wisconsin. Tours are available on request through the contact page or by calling (920) 347-3174.
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 enroll?
Complete the application packet on the Registration page, including a medical release signed by a physician. Eligible applicants join the waiting list and are invited to a screening assessment when a spot opens.
What does it cost?
Call (920) 347-3174 or email info@exceptionalequestrians.org to ask about current rates. The center offers a sliding fee scale, and families who need help with the cost can apply. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Does it accept insurance?
The center says Medicaid and many private insurances are accepted for its direct outpatient OT, PT and speech therapy. A physician referral may be required.
Who can join Taking the Lead?
Taking the Lead is for ages 10 to 17. It runs as four 90-minute sessions, one per week, and families register to join the waitlist for the next session.
Location
De Pere, Wisconsin 54115
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.