Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center

Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center "Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center provides physical and emotional healing through therapeutic interaction with horses

The benefits of Therapeutic Horseback Riding are well documented. Because a horse's gait is similar to the human walk, riding strengthens and supports the natural motion of the spine and pelvis. This repetitive motion helps balance, coordination, strength, and muscle tone as it gently mobilizes the joints. In addition, riding and interacting with the horse fosters self-confidence and motivation. T

he freedom and independence the Riders experience through Chakota's programs act as a bridge to accomplish and lead to success in other areas of their lives as well!

06/19/2026

This week, some of our riders practiced riding backwards. While therapists talk about improved balance, core strength, posture, and body awareness…

Our riders discovered something else:

🐴 Horses have REALLY big butts. 🍑😂

A heartfelt thank you to the Highland Knights of Columbus Council 1580 for inviting us to be part of their Disability Aw...
06/17/2026

A heartfelt thank you to the Highland Knights of Columbus Council 1580 for inviting us to be part of their Disability Awareness Day. We were honored to join approximately 600 guests.

A special thank you goes to Taryn and Jennifer for coordinating the event, Randy and Craig for setting up the temporary pen, and Nan and Barb for assisting with our equine ambassadors. Because of their teamwork, participants had the opportunity to meet Cinch and Boo, enjoy plenty of petting, and share treats with these gentle horses.

The smiles, conversations, and connections made throughout the day were a beautiful reminder of the importance of inclusion, awareness, and community support. Thank you, Highland Knights of Columbus, for creating an event that celebrates the abilities, dignity, and value of every individual. We are grateful to have been part of it! ❤️🐴

Please help us give a warm Chakota welcome to our newest therapeutic partner, Redi! ❤️🐴Redi is a handsome Appaloosa who ...
06/16/2026

Please help us give a warm Chakota welcome to our newest therapeutic partner, Redi! ❤️🐴

Redi is a handsome Appaloosa who spent his previous years carrying riders along the trails of Southern Illinois. Now, he’s beginning a brand-new journey—changing lives at Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center.

Today, Redi stepped into his very first therapeutic riding session and did an amazing job with his first rider, Kathryn. Their confidence and connection were beautiful to watch as they began building trust together.

Every horse has a story, and we can’t wait to see the difference Redi will make in the lives of our riders. Welcome to the herd, Redi! We think you’re going to fit in just fine. 🐎✨

Drop a ❤️ in the comments to welcome Redi to the Chakota family!

Photo credit: Robert Stock.

06/13/2026

🐴💙 Let’s Have a Little Fun, Chakota Family! 💙🐴

We know horses have big personalities… and so do the people who love them! So tell us…

✨ If you could describe Chakota in just ONE word, what would it be? ✨

Would you choose:
❤️ Hope
😊 Joy
💪 Strength
🤝 Friendship
🌟 Miracles
🐎 Healing

Or maybe a completely different word?

Drop your word in the comments and tell us why! You never know—your answer might be exactly what someone considering volunteering, donating, or enrolling a rider needs to hear today.

📣 Don’t forget to tag a friend who needs a little more “Chakota” in their life.

06/10/2026

🌞🐴 Breaking News from Chakota: 🌡️

After consulting with our horses, volunteers, and the weather app that keeps taunting us, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel riding sessions tonight… and probably tomorrow too.

When it’s so hot that:
🥵 The horses are looking for air conditioning
🥵 The fish at the cabin are asking for ice cubes
🥵 The arena sand feels like a beach vacation nobody wanted
🥵 And everyone starts sweating before they reach the barn…

…it’s time to put safety first!

Our riders, volunteers, staff, and horses are the heart of Chakota, and we want everyone healthy and happy when the temperatures return to something less “surface of the sun” and more “Southern Illinois summer.”

Stay cool, drink plenty of water, hug your horse from a distance, and we’ll see everyone back in the saddle as soon as Mother Nature turns down the thermostat. ❤️🐴

We are NOT ready for this heat. 🥵 Sessions are canceled this evening. 😔 Stay cool and hydrated!
06/09/2026

We are NOT ready for this heat. 🥵

Sessions are canceled this evening. 😔

Stay cool and hydrated!

🎉🇺🇸 Calling All Creative Minds! 🇺🇸🎉It’s parade season, and Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center wants to dazzle the crowds ...
06/06/2026

🎉🇺🇸 Calling All Creative Minds! 🇺🇸🎉

It’s parade season, and Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center wants to dazzle the crowds as communities across our area celebrate America’s 250th Birthday! We are looking for volunteers to join a new Public Relations & Marketing Committee to help us showcase the magic of Chakota.

We’re seeking individuals who can help with:
✨ Parade float design and decorating
✨ Event promotion and community outreach
✨ Social media content and storytelling
✨ Photography and videography
✨ Marketing and public relations planning

All of this will lead into celebrating Chakota’s upcoming 20th Anniversary in 2027

Whether you’re artistic, organized, tech-savvy, or simply passionate about sharing Chakota’s mission, we’d love to have you on the team. This is a great opportunity to use your talents to help more people learn about the life-changing impact horses have on individuals with disabilities.

Help us make this year’s parades unforgettable and start planning for a milestone celebration 20 years in the making!

📧 Message us or comment below if you’re interested in joining the Chakota PR & Marketing Committee.

Together, we’ll make sure Chakota shines bright in 2026 and beyond! 🐴💙

06/03/2026

EDIT:

Spots are filled! Thank you to our dedicated volunteers!

🐴 HELP NEEDED TONIGHT!!!

Two volunteers are not able to make it tonight for their 5:00 and 6:00 riders.

If you have 1 or 2 hours open tonight, please contact Jennifer at 618-224-4236 ext 3. She will be grateful to hear from you!

Joseph came to Chakota in 2024 with a love for horses. His face lit up with a smile the moment he arrived. We knew he ...
06/03/2026

Joseph came to Chakota in 2024 with a love for horses. His face lit up with a smile the moment he arrived. We knew he would only be with us for a short time since his father is in the Air Force. That end came too quickly. Tuesday was his final ride.

In the two short years he has been at Chakota he has won the hearts of many volunteers. He’s been our ambassador at Community Link’s Buddy Walk and in parades. We will miss him and his family. We wish them safety in their travels to their new home in Colorado Springs. We trust he will find a spot in a therapeutic center near his new home.

06/03/2026

Have you ever seen a rider sitting backwards on a horse and wondered why? 🐴

Riding backwards is more than just fun—it provides incredible therapeutic benefits! Facing the horse’s tail encourages riders to use different muscle groups, improve balance, strengthen core muscles, and increase body awareness. It also challenges coordination and motor planning as riders experience movement from a completely new perspective.

For many of our riders, activities like riding backwards help improve posture, flexibility, and confidence while keeping therapy engaging and enjoyable. Best of all, the smiles and laughter that come with trying something new are therapeutic too!

At Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center, every activity is carefully designed to help our riders reach their goals while having fun in the saddle. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to turn around and look at the world from a different angle! ❤️🐴

Address

6248 Wesclin Road
Germantown, IL
62245

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 4pm - 8pm
Thursday 4pm - 8pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share