Our Story
Founded in 1999 by pediatric occupational therapist Lisa Kafka, Exceptional Equestrians has its roots in pediatric occupational and physical therapy. Today we provide hippotherapy, adaptive riding and equine-experiential learning programs that promote physical health and development, communication, community integration, self-esteem, and achievement of functional skills.
One of the most comprehensive equine programs in Wisconsin that meets these standards:
PATH center member
A hippotherapy clinical specialist with AHA and PATH certification oversees all programs, to
– assess each rider
– establish treatment plan, and monitor progress
– choose the appropriate horse and equipmentA professional equine specialist with a degree in equine science
Our Mission:
Improving lives through the healing power of horses.
Our Vision:
Exceptional Equestrians will be a leading provider of innovative healthcare, offering evidence-based equine-focused therapy to people with disabilities.
Our Values:
To maintain the highest and most comprehensive level of care provided to families while ensuring sustainability.
With over 25 years of experience, Exceptional Equestrians offers:
A variety of progressive equine assisted therapies, which allows us to accommodate riders of varying abilities
Collaboration with a pediatric therapy clinic on campus
Gait and posture analysis as an objective measure of progress
A safe and prepared environment
Horses that are selected and trained for the task
A message from our CEO…
As we enter into 2025 with great anticipation of program growth and facility expansion, it causes me to pause and reflect on 2024, and the years prior, that have led us to this point. From humble beginnings in 1999, with two equine therapy partners in a privately owned outdoor space, to our current heated indoor facility equipped with treatment space, a gait lab and teaching area to whatever the future holds which I believe is………unlimited potential.
I am forever grateful for everyone who has embraced our mission and become part of the Exceptional Equestrians family. It is because of your support that we are able to provide this unique and powerful equine-assisted therapy to so many children and adults.
Your generosity and support go well beyond our physical structure and expenses. Your support touches the very lives of each family who enters our doors. Because of you they have an opportunity to experience the exceptional healing power of horses. To experience the feeling of being able to move through space more freely, to gain strength and control necessary to perform daily tasks, and to find solace and comfort simply by being in the presence of the horse.
Thank you! Together we are making a difference and changing lives.
Gratefully,
Lisa Kafka, OTR, HPCS, ESMHL
CEO
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