Exceptional Equestrians Company

Exceptional Equestrians is a wondering organization, led by great employees and great volunteers. As a member of the board, I have the opportunity to hear and see the amazing work each and every day and the impact they have on the riders, families and the community. I love the annual Horses for Healing event as well that they host, as it brings together community partners and families to promote health and well-being.

They provide excellent hippotherapy services to children with disabilities and are a true asset to the community! They are certified OT and PT's, PATH certified and provide safe and expert care for their clients and horses!

I have volunteered at this non-profit for some time. The work they do is life changing for the patients and their families. The care they provide to children and adults with differing needs is exceptional. I have also donated to this non-profit and see, in their work, the need and the thoughtful use of all donations.

Exceptional Equestrians is an organization dedicated to providing quality services to people facing physical, sensory, cognitive or emotional challenges. They are true to their mission and dedicated to their clientele.

EE has been a critical part of my families life for many years! The staff are compassionate, creative and truly have a desire to make a difference in daily life! This is a place that believes in all kids/families through some of life's hardest times!

Exceptional Equestrians is such a blessing to our son and family! The staff are simply amazing as is their program & services. Our son has been a client for several years and they are truly a huge part of his "village"! They have hugely helped our son emotionally, physically and socially. We can not say enough about them! They truly deserve 10 stars!!!!

We have had a great experience with Exceptional Equestrians over the last 8 years. Our daughter has been riding since she was 2 and looks forward to it each time. We have seen tangible results in her muscle tone, coordination and scoliosis. We have always had great Occupational Therapists (shout out to Carol!) who are knowledgeable, kind, motivating and thoughtful. Their dedication to their craft is noticeable and appreciated. Safety is also a big concern with horses and we always feel our daughter's safety is a priority. Although EE is over an hour away, we make the trip because it is worth it. Thank you EE for working tirelessly to take care of our kids!

My daughter loves going to Exceptional Equestrians! The staff is so warm and kind and really care about their clients.

I have the privilege of seeing the hard work and dedication of this great non-profit daily. They serve clients of all ages and the families are so appreciative of what the therapists, horse leaders, volunteers and of course, the horses do for their family member. They don't even know how hard they are working when they are on their favorite horse. The staff at EE take such good care of their 4-legged friends so they can continue to do their jobs daily for the community. It is a joy to watch and be a part of. Take a look at the EE website and see if their services can help you today. Questions are welcomed.

Exceptional Equestrians is a place like no other. Their mission to better the lives of people of all abilities through the healing power of horses is unmatched anywhere. The staff and volunteers are incredible!

Exceptional Equestrians is a wonderful organization. It is awesome to see the progress the clients make, from their first fearful time getting on a horse, getting to the point where they are playing catch with volunteers while they are riding. :)
Their volunteer coordination is top notch too, working with the volunteers to give them the flexibility to help out as their schedules allow.

Exceptional Equestrians does a very good job taking care of the kids who come there for therapy. Each child is treated as an individual person with special attention to what their likes and needs are. Therapy works better when its fun.

Love the horses for healing event they host every year. A fun day for the kids to see the horses, barn cats, firetruck, police dog, bounce houses and more. Great time to support a wonderful business that helps children and their families.

Love working with the staff, volunteers and clients. A job where you get to go home feeling like you're making a difference for the kids we see.

I have had the privilege of working with the families of Exceptional Equestrians for over 20 years and it is still a joy to hear how much the kids and adults enjoy being in their riding programs and how much it has helped them through the years. They don't even realize the work they are putting into it because they get attached to the horses they ride and their sessions are led by very caring therapists who assess their needs and volunteers who walk along side. Some milestones are reached during their time at EE and that is the best feeling for the families and the rider. That is the heart of Exceptional Equestrians.

I have been in ties with this organization for more than 20 years. Their commitment to providing the most comprehensive care to their participants is only one of things that makes them so special. The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to meet the needs of the community... both near and far!

An amazing group of professionals and volunteers that are always looking for the best way to serve each and every client !

This nonprofit is an amazing source of healing using vetted therapy horses, guided by trained therapists. EE works with both physical and mental health challenges. It is a unique offering in our area, where most clients are referred by medical professionals. Witnessing the therapeutic (physical, mental and emotional) benefits far exceeds my glowing review and is something to be seen in person. Exceptional Equestrians helps people of all abilities embody their strengths and reach milestones they never thought possible. The wait list is OVER 118 people, and they look to expand their offerings to vets by creating a customized program for their needs. Request a tour! You'll see wellness occurring with every step the horses take with the client. Amy Leverson

Exceptional Equestrians is a medically based non-profit organization providing equine-assisted services to children, teens and adults. As a volunteer and board member, I see firsthand the impact Exceptional Equestrian's services provide. They are so often, nothing short of a miracle! I continually marvel at the way the horse 'partners' with the rider, as the therapist works alongside. I truly feel blessed to be a part of this amazing organization!

I love Exceptional Equestrians! Every time I participate as a volunteer, I not only see lives changed through their medical-based model of therapy provided by licensed clinical Occupational, Physical and Speech therapists by using the horse as part of the therapy team; but also a humbling, amazing awakening of miracles seen by our volunteer team! Keep up the great work, EE! Your riders, their families and the volunteer team appreciate what you do for them, and the community!

I have had a positive and “exceptional” experience as a volunteer at this facility. The Staff are very open and receptive to everyone. My volunteer work as a side walker and now horse leader began in 2016. It is so rewarding to see the growth of the clients and how much they have improved over time.

I love volunteering at Exceptional Equestrians. I have had horses all my life and know how good they are for my soul; but to see what these volunteers, therapists, and horses do for these very special young individuals is truly amazing. It makes me smile every time. What a gift to be able to volunteer with them.

Our daughter began Adaptive Riding lessons this past fall and she fell in love with the experience after the first lesson. She can hardly wait until the next lesson and probably spends more time hugging the horse than she does brushing the horse at the beginning of each lesson. The staff are all wonderful, caring, patient, and creative people with client safety as their top priority. My wife and I now volunteer as side walkers during a specific time slot each week, and I am enjoying volunteering whenever there is a need. It is so rewarding watching the clients improve from week to week. It has also been fun to learn more about each horse and their individual personalities. I would highly recommend Exceptional Equestrians to any family that has children with developmental or physical disabilities.

Exceptional Equestrians is a top notch nonprofit organization which shines bright with the amazing therapy services provided to individuals with special needs. The client’s partners in their therapy involves therapists, volunteers, and a HORSE. It is amazing to see the connection between the client and their horse along with the incredible progress they make, mentally and physically, Working their bodies and minds with exercises and challenging games. It involves hard work yet fun is had by all
involved.

Exceptional Equestrians is amazing! Lisa and her team are incredibly knowledgeable and work very well with each client. Everyone they work with is treated with respect as a precious individual. My daughter has been attending for a few years now and has come so far with their therapy program. She went from needing braces on her hips to walk to walking unassisted. The suggestions for at home are also well appreciated.

Exceptional Equestrians isn't just their name. This facility, its volunteers, its horses, and its energy truly are exceptional. We have seen our daughter, Bryn, make such amazing progress in the time she has had the opportunity to get therapeutic services here. Not only does it help her emotionally, it has honestly improved her speech and comprehension skills. She is following directions at Exceptional Equestrians that are 4-6 steps. In school they typically get 2 step directions. It is an absolute highlight to her week when comes to Exceptional Equestrians.

I have been a volunteer for the past 5 years, and I find myself looking forward to my days at Exceptional Equestrians. The staff and clients, and especially the parents are very appreciative of all those help or support their loved ones. The clients give back to me in many ways with their friendship and smiles. They are a pleasure to assist, and serve.
They organization has heart with a capital “H”.
I feel happy and proud to be called a volunteer. Jim Dzioba

My son Charlie cannot walk, talk, eat by mouth or hold his head up unassisted. Finding activities that he can participate in AND enjoy is challenging. He started hippotherapy at Exceptional Equestrians when he was 2.5yrs old. He’s now 7 & it is still his favorite activity. About 5min before we arrive he starts whining in the car but once we pull in the whining stops and he starts kicking his legs with excitement. Additionally, EE has benefitted Charlie in ways we couldn’t imagine thanks to the physical strength (balance, trunk control, range of motion) he’s gained from riding and the sensory integration.

Exceptional Equestrians is an absolutely amazing place. They have helped my boys so much!

Exceptional Equestrians is a phenomenal organization that has helped our son work on his core strength in a unique environment. The staff and volunteers (and of course, horses) are all amazing to work. We are very fortunate to have such an amazing and unique facility and organization nearby.

I love riding Maverick and it gives me a freedom from my motorized scooter!!

Exceptional Equestrians is truly an incredible organization. It is clear that the staff and volunteers there care about the many families that walk through their doors and their community.

EE has helped innumerable patients of mine. They are dedicated to quality therapy, and have been extremely conscientious and safe during COVID. Their client are a top priority! The volunteers are all well trained. The facilities are beautiful and well kept, and they truly care about the horses health and safety, as well. Their funds are carefully and thoughtfully spent, so that they are able to provide reduced fees for many clients. Their partnerships with Wisconsin waiver programs are also invaluable to many. Wonderful non-profit to be involved with!

Simply amazing organization that just wants to help as many youth, teens and adults as they can. If you haven’t checked them out, give them a call and schedule a tour. The tour will leave you wanting to help or volunteer.

There is nothing comparable to the benefits of bringing together a child, therapists, volunteers and a horse. The social emotional as well as physical skills developed blindside everyone because it appears that they are just having fun!

I have been volunteering with Exceptional Equestrians for 5+ years. I was drawn to the organization originally because I have a Down Syndrome grandson who lives in another part of the state, but wanted to help similar children in this area. I also grew up in a horse-crazy household and remain so to this day.

I have found the organization, staff and particularly the riders to be exceptional in every way. I look forward to an exciting future for EE and its riders. It is a jewel in the community.

I have been a volunteer at Exceptional Equestrians for about 6 years now. When I was a sophomore in high school I was inspired by a particular rider at EE, and I wrote about her. This is my story.

The smiles. The laughs. That moment. The first time we met was, well, unplanned. I had been working there for over a year when we met—“there” being Exceptional Equestrians. She walked in with her fiery red curls pulled into a ponytail and the little frizzy edge ringlets hanging down the sides of her face. While others noticed how she was unable to speak, I noticed how she brought a unique energy when she walked in. I knew she was going to be important to me.
The first things I learned about her was her love for hair pulling and high five giving. With an iron grip, she took everyone by surprise with her strength and her speed whenever she reached for our hair; however, unlike her hair pulling, her high five giving made everyone around her smile. As if giving high fives were her shiny trophy she won for being herself.
The second thing I learned was her name: Chloe. When Chloe first started, she was unable to verbally speak, sit up straight, or perform tasks that were asked of her. She knew the words, like they were right in front of her and she just could not quite reach them. Every time she was there we worked hard, and for months it seemed as if there was no progress being made. I could see the fatigue in her eyes, and I knew there were times she wanted to quit. But we continued to work. I knew. I saw it. Somewhere in her, she knew exactly what we were asking of her, and she just could not do it, but I could see she wanted to. There were days it felt as if we were working hard and nothing was happening. As if she gave it her all just to feel worn and exhausted. As arduous as it was, we continued to work with her, and she continued to push on. She never gave up. Ever.
We began making some progress. First with the rings on a stick. She would take one vibrant colored ring, and place it on the long red stick. Some days she chose sunny yellow or flamingo pink, and other days she chose a midnight blue ring. After rings came the end to the pulling of people’s hair, although, every once in awhile she still loves giving your hair a good tug when you are least expecting it. Following that came the holding of a ball while stabilizing her core all by herself. Chloe knew she was doing it. I could see it. Every once in a while she would get this gleam in her eye. A gleam of determination. Next came her attempting to play catch with the ball, she would reach it out, and then take it back. And every time she did something like this, I could see her happiness. She knew what she was doing, and she was happy with herself too.
Finally came that moment. The moment that brought hope. Chloe moved her hand towards her horse’s silky brown mane, and she told the horse to “walk on.” She did not use her words like many children do. She did not sit back like it was easy and as if she did it like most children. No. Chloe gently patted the horse’s mane twice and smiled. Her smile had not changed from what it had been two minutes prior to this moment. Same fiery red curls, same gleam in her eye, and same beautiful smile on her face. The other people around did not recognize this as an amazing moment, they simply thought she was moving her hand. But I did. This little girl who was unable to speak had left me speechless. All she did was smile, but I could see it. She knew what she did. And with those two very special pats, her horse began to walk.
-Andi

Being a part of Exceptional Equestrians is truly an honor! It has been amazing to see all the children, families and adults that have created such a bond with their unique therapy partner - "their horse". Over the past 20-plus years I have been a volunteer and enjoyed several terms as a board member. It has been wonderful to see where Exceptional Equestrians started with one horse and a couple volunteers for several children to where it is now with at least 13 horses and over 200 volunteers helping over 100 individuals. To be able to hear the children and their families tell their stories about the incredibly positive impact that Exceptional Equestrians with their horses, staff and volunteers have made in their lives is truly rewarding! To see their smiles while they are on horseback is priceless!

I have been involved with the Exceptional Equestrians board for the past 1.5 years. I work in healthcare and get to see patient care on a daily basis, and while all care is meaningful, Exceptional Equestrians serves an extra-special patient population. Not only are the specific services that EE provides scarce, but the organization touches patient lives physically and mentally in a way that very few healthcare organizations can match.

I have had the opportunity to meet some of EE's patients and watch therapy sessions, and even just the smile on everyone's faces is awe-inspiring. Their lives are enriched by the care that EE gives. I pride myself in working with organizations who truly believe in their mission statement and do more than just hang it on the wall. They actually live by it, and EE goes beyond its mission. I have a friend who is in need of services like those that EE provides but lives in another area and does not have access, so I see how special the organization really is and how they offer hope and healing to patients and parents.

Everyone in the organization is dedicated to making a difference in their patients' lives. There are more families out there who yearn for care like this so we need to keep raising awareness!

I have rejoined the board for a second time because I truly believe in what Exceptional Equestrians does for kids and their families. I have witnessed the positive transformation hippotherapy has on the riders!

I am excited for the future of Exceptional Equestrians and and proud to be a board member.

Exceptional Equestrians is an amazing organization. The staff, volunteers, donors and families are truly making a positive impact in our community. Witnessing the bond between a horse and a patient alongside the impact it makes on that person’s life is truly life changing.

My daughter, Dotty, started riding horses there when she was 2 years-old and it has been a blessing to our family! She has Cerebral Palsy and riding the horses on a weekly basis has helped improve her balance, coordination, strength and confidence. I truly believe it has helped her accomplish other extra-curricular activities we did not dream possible, such as downhill skiing and bike-riding! There are no words to describe how much this place means to me and our family, which is why I had to become involved as a Board Member, so I could support the non-profit organization who helps my little girl, who is now 8 yrs-old! I can't imagine what it would be like without them in our lives. The staff, volunteers, and horses are truly "exceptional!"

I have been a Board member for four years, and I can honestly say this is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever been apart of. Exceptional Equestrians continues to better the lives of people of all abilities through the healing power of horses each and every day. To come in and see the riders faces and hear the comments from the parents that their child was so excited to come to their therapy session warms my heart. The staff is extremely friendly, cares, makes connections with the riders and gives each rider the proper attention. There are licensed clinicians, certified riding instructors and properly trained therapy horses on staff, which is huge. This place is truly amazing and heartwarming, I strongly urge you to check it out if you haven't already.

I have been both a volunteer and a Board member at Exceptional Equestrians. I can honestly say it has been one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. The joy and excitement on the face of the riders as they participate in an equine therapy session lifts everyone spirits: The child, the parents, the therapists and the volunteers. It is truly amazing.

Nancy Jacobe

Exceptional Equestrians is an amazing organization! Its staff and volunteers are some of the most skilled and caring individuals you will ever meet. They are dedicated to the work they do and have truly made a tremendous impact throughout the community.