Sioux Empire United Way helps meet a wide range of needs across our four-county service area—Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner Counties. One of our partner nonprofits, HorsePower, offers therapeutic horse programs that make a real difference for people facing physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges. Their mission is simple: use the healing bond between humans and horses to help people overcome obstacles and find strength in the saddle.
At HorsePower, transformation happens every day. Stiff muscles begin to loosen. Slouched backs straighten with confidence. And sometimes, kids who’ve never spoken before find their voice—right next to a gentle horse. These small but powerful moments aren’t rare—they’re part of the everyday magic happening in the arena.
Volunteers and families alike witness life-changing progress at HorsePower — like a young girl with a rare genetic condition gaining strength, speech, and trust through the care of the team and the horses. Loghan started riding a horse at HorsePower at age 4 and continued to see progress while working with her horse, Captain America. Loghan's balance and core strength improved after HorsePower's team tailored a plan specific to Loghan's needs. Loghan's parents saw a noticeable difference in her confidence as well as she began to communicate more at the barn and at home.
HorsePower is comprised of five unique programs that are designed to support the recovery, health, and wellbeing of individuals. These programs include:
- Hippotherapy: A licensed therapist, OT, PT or SLP, incorporates the movement of the horse into a client's treatment plan. The therapist skillfully utilizes the horse's movement in conjunction with client positioning and activities on and off the horse to challenge and engage the client's sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems achieving functional change.
- Therapeutic Riding: Clients experience personal growth when using therapeutic riding; their goals may include physical, emotional, or cognitive progression.
- Ground Work: Although some physical limitations may keep some clients from riding, they can still participate at HorsePower. The act of grooming and bonding with a horse can provide physical, emotional, and cognitive stimulation.
- Independent Riding: Individuals are able to participate in horse care activities and ride independently with safe, reliable lesson horses.
- Veteran's Retreats: HorsePower's Veterans' Retreats are non-mounted opportunities for former service members to learn about horses.
The joy that horses bring doesn’t stop with the riders. It spreads to families, volunteers, therapists, and staff, building a community grounded in hope, growth, and connection.
To learn more about HorsePower, visit horsepowersf.com. Want to get involved? HorsePower welcomes volunteers to serve as Leaders (guiding the horse) or Sidewalkers (providing support alongside). Additional help is also needed for special events and projects. Learn more about volunteering here.
