Main Stay Therapeutic Farm Camp

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm offers adaptive horseback riding, adaptive riding, and therapeutic riding. The program also includes animal assisted learning programs that involve horses and other therapy animals that are described as the heart and soul of Main Stay. Mission-driven programs at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm use adaptive riding and animal assisted learning programs for individuals of all ages.

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Schedule: Open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

Main Stay Therapeutic Farm started in 1984 and became a 501(c)3 organization in 1987. Two women, life-long equestrian Sara Foszcz and Physical Therapist Sandy Barcus, started Main Stay. In 2012, the organization expanded its services to include animal assisted learning programs. Main Stay's mission is to enrich mind, body and spirit through powerful connections with horses, animals and nature.

As a premier accredited PATH Intl center, all adaptive riding sessions are taught by a certified PATH Intl instructor. Many instructors are also licensed teachers, or occupational, physical, or speech therapists, and many instructors and facilitators hold additional licenses and certifications in education and therapy. Main Stay has a large base of more than 100 weekly volunteers. The organization is proud to partner with multiple community agencies and school districts, including counseling centers, health departments, judicial special projects, recovery centers, human services organizations, and several local school districts. Main Stay was the first nonprofit agency in 2014 to place its land in a conservation easement with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

Last updated May 22, 2026.