Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP

Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP is a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted therapy programs for special needs children, adults and their families, as well as PTSD learning to cope programs to Veterans at no cost.

Organizational background:
Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP, in memory of Anne Swaney, was founded in 2017 after the tragic death of our dear friend Anne who was an avid equestrian and philanthropist. Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP was formed to address the need for a therapeutic riding and equine-assisted therapy center for the Chicagoland area for those living with special needs and/or paralysis. With the help of local friends and donors, we purchased 10-acres in the southwest Chicago suburb of Lockport (30 miles outside the city of Chicago) and named it The Legacy Ranch. The capacity of the ranch has grown exponentially since serving its first few clients just over three years ago. What started as temporary outdoor paddock has grown into a 21,000 square foot ADA-certified facility with two barns, two heated indoor riding arenas, several viewing areas, two outdoor riding arenas and 16 horse stalls.

Current description of programs and services:
Since its opening, The Legacy Ranch stands as a life enhancing therapeutic facility for individuals and caregivers living with special needs, paralysis and Veterans struggling with mental health illness. The number of clients in this population continue to increase as we are growing and offering more enhanced health and wellness programs. From these groups, we have served 24 clients in 2018, 354 clients in 2019 and 292 clients from January through August in 2020 (including being closed completely for 90 days due to COVID-19). Our program specialists are remarkably familiar with our clients’ physical and developmental needs. They work hand in hand with caregivers and family members to ensure that every session is guided with care, safety, compassion, empowerment and support for the client.

The Legacy Ranch provides EAGALA-certified and equine-assisted mental health therapy and therapeutic riding sessions in both private and group settings as well as occupational, physical and speech therapy in partnership with licensed therapists. All therapies include interaction with the horses which has been scientifically proven to help heal individuals who have not previously seen success with traditional styles of therapy. Our PATH International-certified instructors also teach private and group therapeutic riding lessons for children and adults alike.

Financial Focus of Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP
Legacy Equine-Assisted Services NFP supports the purchasing of horses, the training of horses, the boarding costs of horses, specialized equipment needs of The Legacy Ranch facility, and scholarships and financial assistance to families unable to pay and could not otherwise receive these beneficial therapies.

The Legacy Ranch serves to help those in need have access to vital, research-based equine-assisted therapies, individual therapeutic riding, and specialized group sessions. This is achieved through its 25,000 square foot ADA-accessible facilities, The Legacy Ranch herd of 14 therapy horses and partnering therapists specializing in equine-assisted mental health and riding instruction.