BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center, 7319 Maxon Rd, Harvard, IL 60033
About
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center offers groundwork, drill team, therapeutic riding lessons, and therapeutic horseback riding. The program also provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy using hippotherapy, which uses the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy by a licensed therapist, as well as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy implemented by a licensed social worker or psychologist. In addition, the program offers non-equine outpatient services in speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Price: All veterans and family members are served at no charge. Veteran & Veteran Family Services 100% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $1,791,539. Therapeutic Riding 73% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $257,376. Additional support provided to 15 students with significant need through the Scholarship fund covering $12,653 worth of therapeutic riding services. Outpatient Clinic 32% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $119,488. Additional support provided to 6 clients with significant need through the Hardship fund covering $9,190 worth of outpatient clinic services. Total program hours subsidized in 2023: $2,168,403.
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 2002 by founders Marge and Dr. Gunnar, with the program beginning in the fall of 2003. In October 2007, it became a Premier Accredited Center for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). With grant support from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, BraveHearts introduced its equine services for heroes program for military veterans in July 2007, and programs now include a large and comprehensive program for military veterans and Gold Star families. The organization serves military veterans, veterans’ families, children, and adults, and describes itself as the largest healing horsemanship program in the nation.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are provided by licensed therapists using hippotherapy as a treatment strategy, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is implemented by a licensed social worker or psychologist. Leadership is provided by President/CEO Meggan Hill-McQueeney. The mission of BraveHearts is to bring hope, joy, and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse, connecting horses with people as a catalyst for wellness. Visitors are asked to schedule a meet and greet tour ahead of time.
One veteran shared that working with the Mustangs through Operation Mustang has been a rejuvenating experience, stating that this interaction reduced the need for pharmaceuticals, supported sobriety, and led to thinking about the next 20 years of life for himself and his family.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Price: All veterans and family members are served at no charge. Veteran & Veteran Family Services 100% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $1,791,539. Therapeutic Riding 73% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $257,376. Additional support provided to 15 students with significant need through the Scholarship fund covering $12,653 worth of therapeutic riding services. Outpatient Clinic 32% Subsidized. Total cost of hours subsidized: $119,488. Additional support provided to 6 clients with significant need through the Hardship fund covering $9,190 worth of outpatient clinic services. Total program hours subsidized in 2023: $2,168,403.
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization established in 2002 by founders Marge and Dr. Gunnar, with the program beginning in the fall of 2003. In October 2007, it became a Premier Accredited Center for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). With grant support from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, BraveHearts introduced its equine services for heroes program for military veterans in July 2007, and programs now include a large and comprehensive program for military veterans and Gold Star families. The organization serves military veterans, veterans’ families, children, and adults, and describes itself as the largest healing horsemanship program in the nation.
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy are provided by licensed therapists using hippotherapy as a treatment strategy, and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is implemented by a licensed social worker or psychologist. Leadership is provided by President/CEO Meggan Hill-McQueeney. The mission of BraveHearts is to bring hope, joy, and unlimited possibilities through the healing power of the horse, connecting horses with people as a catalyst for wellness. Visitors are asked to schedule a meet and greet tour ahead of time.
One veteran shared that working with the Mustangs through Operation Mustang has been a rejuvenating experience, stating that this interaction reduced the need for pharmaceuticals, supported sobriety, and led to thinking about the next 20 years of life for himself and his family.
Last updated January 12, 2026.
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