Chakota Therapeutic Riding Center (Chakota-TRC) of Germantown, IL is a community-based human service organization which provides Therapeutic Horseback Riding for children and adults with disabilities. The dream started June 14, 2005, when Dave and Kay Langenhorst decided to host an Open House at their farm to see if there would be any interest from the local community that would support such an undertaking. The response was overwhelming and Chakota-TRC was born. It took two years of training, planning and asking a million questions before the dream would be realized, but on May 25, 2008, Dave and Kay launched the Pilot Season with four Riders. The response from the parents was encouraging, supportive, and hopeful. They believed in what Chakota-TRC could offer. Even today, when asked, the parents will share their delight with all who ask. Therapeutic Horseback Riding has been proven through extensive studies in the medical field, to improve the quality of life, health and well-being for people with disabilities. Through therapeutic equine activities our Riders learn horsemanship skills, which stimulate physical, mental and emotional growth. It is obvious that the uniqueness of our program lies on the back of the therapy horse. It is there that our wonderful Riders can find the hope of a better existence, a spirit of freedom from impairments, and a sense of “being able”.

Chakota-TRC is the only facility within an 80-mile radius to offer Therapeutic Horseback Riding. Our Board of Directors consists of individuals from the community who care about the program and have graciously volunteered their time, expertise and enthusiasm to help maintain and grow the program. Chakota-TRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that depends on fundraisers, contributions, grants, and in-kind donations to operate. All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible. Our volunteers are an essential part of our program as they assist in the riding sessions, maintenance, and fundraising.

The Chakota family has been through an enormous amount of training and workshops. They also participated in several national conferences for PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, International). PATH has been around since 1969 and has set the high standards that most Therapeutic Riding Centers try to operate their programs through. Chakota actively works to follow PATH guidelines.