About Our Program

Program | Forms | Day Camp | Therapeutic Driving | About Three Gaits

Program fees
Extensive fund raising allows Three Gaits to charge moderate fees for therapeutic riding lessons: $275 per 12-week session (Hippotherapy is $500 per 10-week session). There is no longer a registration fee. Fees may be paid in installments: half may be paid during the first week of lessons and the remainder due to prior to the end of each session. Payment in full is requested by the end of the session.

Financial Assistance
Limited funds have been donated to assist in cases of financial need. Students may apply for assistance by contacting the office or by submitting a letter of request prior to the desired registration deadline. The letter is to include the amount the student is able to pay and the amount of assistance requested.

• Three Gaits Scholarship Letter (22 KB)
• M&I Trust Company Letter (15 KB)
• Three Gaits Financial Assistance Application (8 KB)

Absence Policy
Consideration for Three Gaits volunteers and staff is appreciated. Students are asked to call the office (877-9086) as soon as possible if you know you will miss class.

Refund Policy
Refunds or credits of lesson fees are available only under the following circumstances:

1. If a student must withdraw for medical reasons, a physician’s statement is required

2. If a cancellation is initiated by Three Gaits.

Cancellation by Three Gaits
The safety and good health of students and horses are the most important concerns of Three Gaits. Class will not be held during the following conditions:

1. Temperature extremes

2. High winds

3. Thunderstorms or tornado warnings or storms

Students are asked to phone the office at 877-9086 if weather is uncertain. If classes are cancelled, there will be a message on the machine two hours before class.

Clothing Requirements

• A safety helmet (ATSM-SEI approved) must be worn and is provided.
• Long pants such as blue jeans, stirrup pants or riding pants.
• Protective sun screen, sun glasses and insect repellant as needed.
• Shoes with sturdy heels (oxfords, riding boots) or non-slip soles are recommended.
• No sandals or open-toed shoes.

Forms
The following required release forms must be completed annually.  There are new forms for 2008: 

• Rider Registration Form  (34 KB)
• Rider Release Form  (33 KB)
• Rider Medical History and Physician’s Release Form  (34 KB)

Please complete Special Education and OT/PT Evaluation forms annually, if they are applicable:

• Educator's Evaluation Form  (22 KB)
• Physical or Occupational Therapy Evaluation Form  (25 KB)

Any Questions?
Please feel free to call us here in the office 877-9086 or by email 3gaits@3gaits.org or Dena Duncan, Three Gaits' Program Coordinator, directly at dena@3gaits.org.

Day Camps

Day camps during the summer are open to participants with and without special needs. The overall goal for day camps is to progress the horsemanship skills of participants in a safe, fun environment. Individual goals will be determined based on participant's previous knowledge and skill levels. However, all participants will be challenged to improve "skills for life" throughout the camp. Participants and staff work together to build community in the group, valuing respect at all times. Part of the unique experience of this camp is the phenomenon that participants learn from and help each other.

Therapeutic Driving

Three Gaits is in the process of developing a driving program. Our objective is to provide a wider-based therapeutic equine experience.

About Three Gaits

Three Gaits was started in 1983 by Gail Brown and Lorrie Renker, one horse and eight riders.  The guiding vision was a love for horses and an interest in providing equine-assisted activities for individuals with disabilities in Dane County. The name Three Gaits refers to three movements of a horse -- walk, trot and canter.

Community response to the program was enthusiastic, and by 1986, Three Gaits gained sufficient support to obtain a mortgage for our 20-acre farm located on Highway 138 between Stoughton and Oregon.  This move gave the non-profit organization greater flexibility in designing a quality program that is tailored specifically to individual needs of each rider.

Today, approximately fifteen program horses, a large number of volunteers, and a limited, yet very dedicated staff provide more than 400 children, youth and adults each year the opportunity to extend therapy, special education and interpersonal skill development into the horsemanship experience. This includes group lessons, day camp, individual and group therapy.

As a non-profit 501(c)3, tax-exempt corporation, Three Gaits relies on support from the community to accomplish its goals. Volunteers give time and special expertise at the stable, property or office.  Organizations contribute in many ways, including donating stable and riding equipment, funds for scholarships, buildings and special projects, or contributing a sound, quiet and well-trained horse or pony. 

The steady growth of Three Gaits therapeutic riding program and the continued demand for services make it evident that consumers and their families, as well as service providers and other professionals, feel that the program has a definite positive impact on the participants' lives.

Since 2002, Three Gaits has been a NARHA Premier Accredited Center. NARHA  (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association) is a national organization responsible for establishing safety standards and quality control.  NARHA also certifies our riding instructors meaning they have passed written examinations and evaluations of their teaching and riding skills.  In addition instructors are First Aid and CPR certified an they participate in a minimum of twenty hours of continuing education annually. 

It is the policy of Three Gaits, Inc. to promote equal service and employment opportunities for all employees, clients, board members and applicants to the agency. Equal service and employment opportunity means the treatment of those categories of people mentioned above without regard to their age, race, sex, creed or religion, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, color, disability, ancestry, or political affiliation.