Funded Projects2024 Funded Project: Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center

June 30, 2025

Unlocking Everyone’s Full Potential

Founded in 1999, Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center is devoted to serving children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapies. As a proud member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International), the organization focuses on therapeutic riding sessions that promote psychological, physical, social, and educational gains. By partnering with other community-supported organizations, FHTRC is able to assist with special education classes, assisted living centers, Alzheimer’s and dementia care centers, at-risk youth programs, the foster care system, and more.

Championing Psychological, Physical, and Social Health

Since its inception, FHTRC has expanded to include new staff members, numerous dedicated volunteers, and nine horses to serve clients in south central Kansas. On average, the organization assists over 270 individuals annually. While many programs serving individuals with disabilities struggle to utilize outdoor methods due to safety concerns and the limited availability of therapeutic animals, FHTRC is fortunate to be able to provide equine-assisted services to the community with a high level of safety and professionalism. Some of the organization’s most notable offerings include:

Private and Group Therapy Sessions
Partnerships With Community Organizations
Summer Camps

Providing Life-Changing Opportunities

In honor of Chris’ adventurous spirit, love of people, and passion for travel, the Chris Mikesell Foundation aims to support opportunities for young people to experience nature. In 2024, the Foundation awarded a $1,000 grant to the Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center. All donated funds have helped provide therapy scholarships to the organization’s riders, as many of them are burdened with high medical expenses associated with their disability, and unfortunately, insurance no longer covers animal-assisted therapy. Because of generous contributions, FHTRC is proud to offer complete and partial scholarships to all who participate in its programs.

“Thank you very much for your donation to Freedom Hooves! We are honored to receive support in memory of Chris. We will be using this funding to provide scholarships to our clients with disabilities who would otherwise be unable to afford these services. Being out in nature on the back of a horse opens so many doors for them and what they can accomplish. It is amazing to see the results of getting people outside in nature and getting their muscles moving on a horse. The joy they experience is truly wonderful to see! Thank you for making that possible.”

—Amanda Hale, Freedom Hooves Therapeutic Riding Center