Three Gaits

10/22/2026

A huge thank you to the UW-Madison Pre-Veterinary Association for spending a day with us at Three Gaits last week!

They jumped right in and helped out in the barn, the pastures and the arena. All that work keeps our horses happy and our programs running. And of course, they got a little well-earned horse time with Johnny and Steele, who were more than happy to soak up the attention.

We’re so grateful for your help, and we hope to see you back soon!

10/21/2026

It’s National Physical Therapy Month, which feels like the perfect excuse to introduce you to Dr. Ana! 🐴🧡

If you’ve spent time at the farm, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her working alongside our clients and horses. Dr. Ana is our physical therapist, and she has a pretty unique coworker: the horse.

Dr. Ana carefully adjusts the horse’s pace, direction, and the client’s position to work on things like postural stability, balance, and coordination. Skillful adjustments to the horse's movement or client's position create opportunities for the body to learn and adapt, which is where a lot of the progress happens.

We’re so grateful for the skill and care Dr. Ana brings to every session. Next time you see her at the farm, say hi!

10/19/2026

Happy Monday from one of our riders who loves Mondays more than anyone 🐴🧡

Jackson started therapeutic riding when he was 9, and he’s been part of the Three Gaits family since moving to Madison in 2019.

Here’s what his mom shared with us:

“Jackson really looks forward to his lessons. As soon as he gets in the car after a lesson, he asks ‘next Monday?’ just to make sure we’ll be coming back. So many parts of his life are controlled and decided by others. Being able to steer this very large animal is so empowering. Riding at Three Gaits keeps him active and connected to the community, and that helps our whole family life stay on an even keel.”

Riding gives Jackson a lot more than a fun Monday. The movement and sensory experience of being on a horse help with core strength, posture, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

Well Jackson, it’s Monday. See you at the barn! 😊

10/16/2026

Happy gotcha day, Steele! 🐴🧡

One year ago today, Steele joined the Three Gaits herd, and he’s been a trusted therapy horse ever since. Our riders are lucky to spend time with him in lessons, and we’re pretty lucky to have him around the farm too.

Thanks for a great first year, Steele. Here’s to many more.

10/15/2026

Volunteer Highlight: Kathy Mattison
Kathy found her way to Three Gaits through a family connection, and she’s become a steady, caring presence in our sessions. Here’s Kathy in her own words:

“I first learned about Three Gaits in 2025 after my mother passed away and I discovered it was an organization she supported. Once I saw the impactful work being done here, I knew I wanted to get involved. After a reassuring meeting with Rebecca, I signed up to volunteer.

Having had a cousin with Down syndrome and a close friend with a special needs daughter, being able to support participants with developmental needs is meaningful to me. I always hope to leave each session having made a positive impact.

My favorite horse is Johnny Cash. I respect that, as one of the older horses, he is still actively contributing to such a worthy cause. Learning more about his story during the recent fundraiser has made him even more endearing to me.”

Thank you, Kathy, for the patience and heart you bring every week. Johnny Cash says thanks too. 🎸

Want to get involved? Learn more at three-gaits.org/volunteer

10/13/2026

That’s a wrap on another season of Riding in the Moment™! 🐴🧡

This week marked the final week of our Riding in the Moment™ program, an evidence-informed program designed to increase the quality of life of adults with dementia and the family members and friends who love them.

Judie has been part of RIM for two years now, and as you can see, she and Willow have built something pretty special together. Moments like this are exactly what this program is about.

Thank you to Judie, her family, and our volunteers and staff who made this season possible. We’ll miss seeing you all at the barn!

10/09/2026

Sunday’s Packers vs. Bears game is a big one, so we asked the real experts.

Our Three Gaits horses took a look at both sides and made their pick. Watch to see who they think is taking this one home.

Do you agree with their call? Tell us in the comments. 🏈💚💛

10/06/2026

A HUGE thank you to Katharine! 🧡🐴

Katharine generously donated blankets, halters, and so much more to Three Gaits. Our program director Emily (pictured with Katharine) was thrilled. Gear like this goes straight to work keeping our horses comfortable and our lessons running.

Thank you, Katharine, for thinking of us!

10/05/2026

This weekend we got to celebrate our amazing volunteers! 🧡🐴

Without our volunteers, we simply couldn't do what we do. Every lesson, every horse, every smile in the arena is possible because of the people who show up and give their time. Thank you for everything you do for our riders, our horses, and each other.

Interested in joining the herd? Learn more at three-gaits.org/volunteer

10/01/2026

Meet Johnny 🐴🧡

When his owner started looking for his next chapter, they knew Johnny wasn't ready to stop working.

"Here I know he's never going to get outgrown. And he will always have people that love him here." — Courtney

That's how he came to Three Gaits. Watch his story below, shared at Walk Trot Toast 👇

This is "Johnny_Showcase" by Hope on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.