Contributions
You can help troubled youth with drug addictions to become clean and sober, to have a chance to improve their lives and that of society by supporting the work of Equine Assisted Addiction Services and Changing Gaits, Inc. All donations are used exclusively for scholarships to subsidize costs associated with sessions to teach, guide, and encourage positive attitudes, behavior modification, relapse prevention/education, and Life Skills.
Click on link below to download the "Donation Form".
Sponsor A Horse!
Sponsor a Changing Gaits horse! Your sponsorship will help with “horsey stuff”, i.e., veterinary appointments, feed, hoof trimming, etc. You will be allowed to visit, groom, and ride your sponsored horse, with supervision from Changing Gaits staff and with a 48-hour notice.
Click on link below to download the "Sponsorship Contract".
Horseback Riding
Trail Rides
No experience is necessary to enjoy the natural scenery at Changing Gaits, Inc. We have a wide variety of horses for all sizes and skill levels. Come by yourself or bring a group. We schedule up to 8 riders per hour. We offer hourly guided trail rides Wednesday through Sunday.
- Riders must be over 8 years old
- Riders must be over 52” tall and weigh no more than 230 lbs.
- All riders under 16 years old must wear a helmet (unless with parents signature). You may bring your own or rent ours for $2.00.
- Only one person is allowed on a horse at a time (no riding double)
- Available days/times:
Wednesday 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday–Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Reservations are a MUST! Call 320-679-4468
Pony Rides
The perfect activity for the younger horse lover. Our ponies are well-trained and gentle. The child is led by a parent/guardian on a shaded continuous loop path. Our experienced staff will assist. Rides are about 20 minutes long.
- Children must be old enough to sit on the pony by themselves. For safety sake, with younger children, we suggest bringing an adult to walk beside the child and pony. Our ponies may carry children up to 8 years old and 100 lbs.
- Helmets are required. You may bring your own or rent ours for $2.00.
- Only one child is allowed on a pony at a time (no riding double)
- Reservations are a MUST! Call 320-679-4468
Moonlight Rides
Enjoy the moonlight on horseback! Includes 1 hour ride, campfire, hot dogs and smores.
- Maximum of 8 people per ride
- Two rides available: 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
- 2008 schedule:
May 3
June 7
July 5
August 1
August 2
Sept 27
October 25 - Reservations are a MUST! Call 320-679-4468
Day Camp
Experience a day on the ranch! Includes horse grooming, lessons, trail riding, campfire and BBQ.
- Maximum of 12 people per day
- Camp runs from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- 2008 schedule:
June 12
June 26
July 10
July 24
August 7 - Reservations are a MUST! Call 320-679-4468
Cowpoke Experience
Planning a birthday party for your child? Come and enjoy a 3 hour “cowpoke” experience with pony rides and campfire!
- Maximum of 12 kids per group
- Reservations are a MUST! Call 320-679-4468
Office Parties/Outings/Picnics/Family Get-Togethers
Call for details: 320-679-4468
Costs
Trail and Pony Rides: $22.00/person – 1 hour ride; $32.00/person – 2 hour ride
Moonlight Rides: $35.00/person
Day Camp: $60.00/person
Cowpoke Experience: $125.00/group
Gift Cards available - Call For Details!
Rules & Regulations
In addition to the individual requirements listed above, all riders must sign a release/wavier form; those under 16 must have a parent/guardian along to sign the forms.
Clothing Requirements and/or Recommendations
Footwear: Closed toed shoes are required. (cowboy boots, sneakers, English riding boots etc.) No sandals, bare-feet, dress shoes, or slippers.
Legware: Long, non-slip pants are suggested. Shorts and skirts are not recommended, you’ll thank us later!
Shirt or Jacket: Dress for the weather, layers are always the easiest if you are unsure because you can always take off what you don’t need.
Headware: Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 16 (unless with parents signature). Bring your own or we have helmets available for $2.00 a piece. Hats are great as long as they fit snuggly and won’t blow off in the wind.
Other: Sunblock and bug spray are good ideas.
Featured Horse - Akita
Akita is a 7-year old quarter horse/buckskin mix. She is a loner and a hard horse to get to know. Hers is a sad story---a previous female owner abused her quite badly, thus she is wary of females. She becomes more comfortable as she gets to know you, and will let you stroke her and talk to her.
Do You Qualify For A Scholarship?
A. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY- Scholarships are based on financial need.
- All applicants must submit a statement (100 words or less) about why they need financial assistance to participate in EAAS at Changing Gaits.
- Selection of recipients is accomplished by a Selection Committee comprised of volunteers at Changing Gaits, Inc. The Board of Directors of Changing Gaits have absolute discretion concerning the approval of funding, and their decision is final.
- The applicant’s age, sex, religion, or race shall not be considered unless a benefactor has made a restricted gift.
- All applicants will be informed of status of application four to six weeks after submission.
- By signing the application, the applicant gives the Selection Committee permission to investigate and verify all information provided and agrees to provide such information as the committee may request in order to properly evaluate the application for funding.
- Proceeds are restricted to EAAS sessions at Changing Gaits, Inc., in Brook Park, MN
- Applications must be signed and must include all required information as requested on the application.
- Recipient will be notified of selection and sent a voucher for the amount of the scholarship
- Scholarships are distributed by and designated from Changing Gaits, Inc.
Download the Scholarship Application Here!
How Can I Volunteer?
This is this year's to-do list! We'd appreciate any help you can provide!
Projects for 2008
- Finish inside arena: concrete floors; bathroom; offices; kitchen area; meeting room; install heater, insulation & plastic (all of which we have); finish tack room; build horse stalls; install fans for ventilation; add additional lighting and outlets. Estimated cost: $40,000
- Build small chapel in woods (we have most material, but still need some) Estimated cost: $3,000
- Build picnic area and lean-to by prayer tree; obtain picnic tables & chairs. Estimated cost: $2,000
- Add two more lean-tos for horse pastures. Estimated cost: $2,000
- Expand pastures on north and south ends of property. (Need T-posts, wire, end-posts, gaits and connectors.) Estimated cost: $2,500
- Add lighting and bleacher area for outside arena. Estimated cost: $6,000
- Obtain and spread pee gravel and wood chips for horse trails. Estimated cost: $4,000 - $5,000
- Build picnic/rest area for trail riders and horses by the woods. Estimated cost: $3,000
Completed in 2007
- Increase volunteer base. - Completed (& ongoing in 2008)
- Adopt-a-Highway cleanup. - Completed (& ongoing in 2008)
- Clean up brush in woods by end of July. - Completed
- Clear horse trails thru woods by end of August. - Completed
Available For Purchase
Gift Cards (for horseriding activities and/or therapy sessions) - Call for details!
Personal Reflection Journals of Freedom and Hope: $6.95 each - make great gifts