Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy

10/15/2026

Equestrian Special Olympics
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Opening ceremony: 8 AM - HRET will likely perform around 11 AM
BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre
4950 Route 173, Poplar Grove, IL 61065

10/11/2026

We Need Daytime Heroes! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️🐴

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? Come join the amazing volunteer team at Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy (HRET)!

We're especially seeking daytime volunteers who enjoy working with children and adults with varied abilities while spending time with our incredible horses and ponies.

✨ Perfect for:
✅ Retired adults
✅ Stay-at-home parents
✅ College students with daytime availability
✅ Community members looking to make a difference

💪 Men and women with muscle are especially needed to assist with activities that benefit from additional height and strength around our horses and riders. 💪

At HRET, every volunteer helps create life-changing experiences. As a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization, we are passionately committed to empowering individuals with varied physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities through the spirit of the horse.

From preschoolers riding ponies to independent riders in advanced classes, our participants enjoy therapeutic riding experiences that include grooming, bonding, and riding activities in a safe, supportive environment. HRET is an Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) program offering a variety of skill-appropriate classes designed to meet each rider's unique needs.

📅 Don't miss our LAST Volunteer Training of 2026!
Tuesday, November 3rd
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

❤️ Ready to start your volunteer journey and make a lasting impact?

📧 Contact us at [email protected] to learn more and sign up for training!

Join a team that's changing lives, one ride at a time. ❤️🐴

10/02/2026

🐴🏅 WE’RE GETTING READY TO SHINE AT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS! 🏅🐴

Eight of our HRET riders are preparing to take part in the upcoming Special Olympics qualifying horse show as they gear up for the big day on OCTOBER 17th—and we are absolutely thrilled to cheer them on!

This year’s Special Olympics competition will take place Saturday, October 17th in Poplar Grove, IL, where our riders will proudly compete alongside our five PREMIER horses:

⭐ Shilo
⭐ Amir
⭐ Pandora
⭐ Holly
⭐ And our newest addition… MERLIN! 🐴✨

These incredible riders have poured in countless hours of hard work, dedication, and heart while building amazing partnerships with their horses. Now, they need YOU in their corner!

📣 COME CHEER THEM ON!
Let’s pack the arena with energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm as we celebrate our riders and horses and show them how proud we are! ❤️

📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 BraveHearts at the Bergmann Centre
4950 Route 173
Poplar Grove, IL 61065

Come for the competition. Stay for the inspiration. Bring your biggest cheers and celebrate our amazing riders! 🐴❤️🏅

10/01/2026

🍂🎃It's officially October!!!🍁👻 You know what that means, it's time to start planning your holiday get-togethersThe Original White Fence Farm Restaurant is the perfect place.

📆❄️🎁🔔Mark your merry calendars!!!🔔🎄❄️📆

On December 9, 10, 11, and 12th, White Fence Farm will be donating 20% of your check amount back to Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy. Dinner at White Fence Farm during the holidays is an experience to remember. The restaurant will be beautifully decorated with spectacular holiday displays, creating a festive atmosphere for family and friends to enjoy. Print or download the flyer and present it before you pay. Bring your herd, HRET flyer, enjoy a great meal, and make 20% of your check count for HRET!

09/25/2026

Our volunteers are the heart of our program, providing essential support to individuals with varied abilities as they participate in therapeutic equine activities. By sharing your time, energy, and compassion, you help create a safe, encouraging environment where riders can build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections.

We are seeking dedicated, able-bodied volunteers who are committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.

Volunteer Requirements:

Minimum 14 years of age
Physically capable of walking for 30 to 45 minutes
Attend one volunteer training session annually
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule of at least 4 hours per week

Whether you are leading a horse, supporting a rider, or assisting with program activities, your commitment directly impacts members of the varied ability community and helps make our programs possible.

Join us in empowering individuals, fostering inclusion, and transforming lives, one ride at a time. 🐴💙

09/24/2026

Meet the incredible HRET therapy horses who make healing, growth, and connection possible every day. ❤️🐴

Caring for these amazing animals is a year-round commitment. Their annual care includes:
• Veterinary care
• Farrier care
• Dental care
• Supplements and medications
• Hay and feed
• Bedding
• Manure removal
• Supply delivery

The total cost to care for our therapy horses is approximately $91,500 per year.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to help ensure our horses receive the exceptional care they deserve. Every donation directly supports the health and well-being of the horses who help change lives every day.

Thank you for helping us keep our herd healthy, happy, and ready to serve. 💙

09/19/2026

🤠 TODAY IS THE DAY! 🤠
Your outdoor plans are going to get rained out anyway… so why not put on your boots, grab your friends, and come party with us at Boots, Bridles & Bling! 🐴✨
The best part? We’re covered. The event is entirely indoors or under covered areas, so Mother Nature can do her worst. 🌧️ We’ll be dry, having fun, and probably making questionable decisions on the dance floor. 😂
🎟️ No ticket? No problem! Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
Come for the horses. Stay for the bling. Leave with memories—and hopefully a little less money than you came with. 🤠💎

The countdown begins! With just 5 days to go until Boots, Bridles, & Bling, Juan and his team at Beach Avenue BBQ are firing up their culinary creativity, and the talented Strawdawg Band are fine-tuning their harmonies, getting ready to electrify the stage and fuel an unforgettable night of celebration this Saturday! 🎉
Join us for an evening of mouth-watering eats, foot-stomping tunes, inspiring auctions, and warm connections around the bonfire. Secure your spot now and be part of something special!
Tickets available: igfn.us/form/fjwS1g. 💫

09/18/2026

A special thanks to these Naperville businesses for supporting Boots, Bridles, & Bling. There are going to be some fantastic items up for bid. Gotta be there to win!
Little Luxuries Naperville La Sorella di Francesca Tasting Devine Cellars