Faq

When did BraveHearts start?

  • BraveHearts was incorporated into the state of Illinois in 2002, by founder Marge Gunnar and the program began in 2003. BraveHearts began serving Veterans in 2007.

Accreditations/Accolades

  • 501c3 nonprofit organization
  • PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center
  • American Hippotherapy Association facility member center
  • Special Olympics Illinois Equestrian Games hosting facility
  • EQUUS Foundation Guardian

Services Offered

  • Outpatient Clinic: Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology
  • Veteran & Veteran Family Services
  • Therapeutic Riding
  • Volunteer Opportunities

Therapeutic Riding vs. Hippotherapy?

  • The main difference is that therapeutic riding is a recreational activity instructed by a certified PATH Intl. instructor with the goal to learn or improve riding skills. The cost of these services are self-pay.
  • Hippotherapy is a treatment strategy that is used by a physical, occupational or speech therapist to address specific physical, occupational and speech goals by using the movement of the therapy horse to assist in meeting the goals. A prescription for physical, occupational or speech therapy must be provided. This is primarily billed to insurance, but self-pay options are available.

Do you take donated horses?

  • We accept sound horses only and will evaluate if they will work in our program. Interested in donating a horse? Complete This Form

Can I visit?

  • All visits must be pre-scheduled. If interested in setting up a visit, please call ahead to be sure we can have a staff member dedicated to answering your questions during your visit. 

How many people do you serve weekly?

  • Average 75 therapeutic riding lessons
  • Average 40 hippotherapy sessions
  • Average 115 Veteran/Veteran Family lessons

How many horses do you have?

  • 50+ horses between both facilities.

How can I volunteer?

How can I intern?

  •  All interns must complete our online application and will be accepted based on our availability and ability to meet your requirements.

How much does it cost?

  • Therapeutic Riding costs  range based on type of lesson (group, semi-private, or private) and length of lesson (30 minutes or 60 minutes). Costs range from $45-$80 per lesson based on type and length. Rates are subject to change please see our EAS Manager.
  • Our outpatient services using hippotherapy as a treatment strategy and equine assisted psychotherapy is billable through insurance, therefore rate is based on insurance.
  • Veterans participate without charge. One accompanying Veteran family member may also participate at no cost with the Veteran present.
  • EVERY participant at BraveHearts is subsidized in some capacity.

Can I make a donation?

  • Donate online or mail check made out to:
    BraveHearts
    7319 Maxon Rd
    Harvard, IL 60033
  • Donation envelopes available onsite at our farms
  • Monthly online automatic donations available for set up on our website using this LINK
  • Sponsoring horse opportunities? EMAIL US