Our Mission:
Horses. Humans. Healing.
How We Started
Ride & Shine began in 2016 with one little boy and a big hope. His mom was searching for a place near Gillette that could provide hippotherapy to support independence with his diagnosis of cerebral palsy. She posted an ad in a Facebook group, and Jamie tagged Jenny—who had experience with a similar program in Seattle before relocating to Wyoming.
Jenny connected with Jake’s mom, but because she wasn’t able to provide therapeutic riding services due to Jake’s age, she reached back out to Jamie to help with hippotherapy. Around the same time, Jenny had been talking with Kelly—and on a Friday morning in early summer of 2016, Ride & Shine officially began.
That first session included Cakes the horse and four people united by one goal: to help one little guy become more independent in standing, walking, and jumping.
Growing with Purpose. Serving with Heart.
What began with one horse and one child has grown into a thriving, community-supported program. Ride & Shine now owns and cares for four horses, and we borrow two additional horses on Tuesdays to expand access for local participants. Our horses are supported through partnerships with Kluz’s Performance Horses, Bare Butte Land and Livestock, and Bev and Rick Bauman, allowing us to provide a safe and consistent environment for therapy sessions.
Fifteen dedicated volunteers assist each week to ensure rider safety and encouragement, while a committed board of six individuals helps guide growth and secure funding. Our professional partnerships have expanded from one physical therapist to include a physical therapist, occupational therapist, and licensed mental health provider, allowing us to serve individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges through safe, individualized care.
Ride & Shine continues to grow in both reach and impact, strengthening bodies, building confidence, and creating powerful connections between horses and humans.
Powered by Generosity. Sustained by Community.
Ride & Shine is sustained by the generosity of donors, local businesses, grants, and community fundraisers. While we strive to keep services available at a minimal charge, equine-assisted therapy requires ongoing support for horse care, facilities, professional partnerships, and rider safety.
As our program continues to grow, community support ensures that healing remains accessible for families who need it most. Every gift helps build strength, confidence, independence, and hope—one rider at a time.
Our Horses
Our horses are the heart of Ride & Shine Therapies. We own and care for four therapy horses and partner with local horse owners to borrow additional horses on Tuesdays, allowing us to expand services to more participants. Each horse is carefully selected, trained, and cared for to ensure a calm, safe, and effective therapeutic experience.
