Dream Catchers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through equine-assisted services that foster physical, emotional and social well-being. Serving children, adults and veterans across a wide range of abilities and life experiences, its programs are thoughtfully designed to create meaningful opportunities for growth through structured, horse-centered interactions. All program staff are certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
For families with special needs children and adults, Dream Catchers provides a variety of therapeutic and educational opportunities uniquely tailored to each individual. Therapeutic riding sessions allow participants to build strength, coordination and self-confidence while working with gentle, highly trained horses. In addition to therapeutic riding, ground-based programs teach horsemanship skills, from grooming and leading to understanding equine behavior, emphasizing patience, focus and responsibility. These activities are more than “lessons”: they are purposeful interactions that support physical, cognitive and emotional development in a fun, nurturing setting. Dream Catchers has added a specially crafted version of its ground-based program just for seniors with dementia.
Mental health is equally important at Dream Catchers. It offers licensed mental health professionals working alongside equine specialists to guide therapeutic experiences that utilize the horse’s natural sensitivity and responsiveness. Horses provide real-time feedback, helping clients increase self-awareness, improve emotional regulation and practice healthy communication in a nonjudgmental environment. This form of therapy has proven especially meaningful for individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma and social challenges, offering new pathways to emotional insight and healing.
Dream Catchers is also honored to serve those who have served us. The Operation Mount Up! program is specifically designed for veterans and active-duty service members, providing an empowering combination of horsemanship, riding skills and therapeutic support at no cost to participants. Over a series of weekly sessions, participants engage in grooming, tacking, riding and ground-based activities that build trust, confidence and camaraderie. Group and individual therapy sessions are also available to provide additional support for mental wellness and reintegration. Many find that the calm strength of the horses offers a unique space to process experiences, reconnect with others and discover new purpose.
In addition to these cornerstone offerings, Dream Catchers is proud to introduce a program for at-risk youth designed to develop leadership and life skills through ground-based work with horses. Unlike traditional riding programs, this initiative focuses on communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation, teamwork and accountability. All of this is accomplished through hands-on, intentional interaction with horses from the ground. Youth participants learn to build trust with their equine partners, hone decision-making skills and cultivate confidence and resilience that translate into everyday success.
At Dream Catchers, every program reflects its belief that horses are powerful partners in personal growth. Whether a child discovering his or her strengths, an adult building new skills, a veteran rebuilding purpose or a young person finding a path, Dream Catchers is a place where transformation takes shape through connection, support and the enduring bond between humans and horses.
