STRIDES Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program

11/15/2025

11/13/2025

Our herd just got a little bigger (and will be growing even more soon)!

We’re thrilled to welcome two new Nigerian Dwarf goats — both expecting babies! — and two beautiful new horses to the farm family.

Everyone is settling in wonderfully and we can’t wait for all our riders and visitors to meet them and share in the excitement as we prepare for baby goat cuddles in the near future!

Stop by during your next lesson to say hello to our newest (and soon-to-arrive!) farm friends. 💕

11/12/2025

It's been a busy week at STRIDES! River did his first trot under saddle! We are so happy with his progress, he's growing into such an incredible horse.

We also have SEVERAL new 4 legged friends around the farm - more news on that tomorrow!!

11/06/2025

Looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend before the cold weather sets in! We still have a couple spots open!

11/04/2025

What's River been up to lately?

11/04/2025

Please join us for one of our November petting zoo events!

We have horses, a mini donkey, mini horse, cow, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and a guinea pig.

Horseback riding is NOT available during petting zoos.

$5/child which includes a feed cup!

All proceeds go toward Trinity Services, Inc to provide homes & supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental illness.

27655 S Gougar Road
Manhattan, IL 60442

10/31/2025

Our animals looooove your leftover pumpkins!! Just no painted pumpkins please. We will happily accept straw and hay bales too. We are not able to pick up donations unfortunately so please feel free to drop anything off at 27655 S Gougar Road in Manhattan if you're in the area!

10/29/2025

🎄🐴 STRIDES Students Holiday Party! 🐴🎄

We’re celebrating the season barn-style with a special Holiday Party just for our riding students with weekly or biweekly lesson packages! 🎉

📅 Date: January 9th, 2026
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Where: STRIDES
💲 Cost: FREE as a thank you to our amazing students & families!

Come join the fun with:

✨ Holiday horseback riding games
🎯 Unmounted horse games
🎁 White Elephant gift exchange ($10 limit)
🌭 Hot dogs, s’mores & hot chocolate
🎨 Crafts & holiday games
🎤 Karaoke fun
…and plenty of holiday fun!

Parents are welcome to drop off or stay and enjoy the festivities. Come celebrate the season with your barn family & favorite horses!

Send us a DM or email to RSVP so we can plan food & fun accordingly! 🎅

10/23/2025

We’re wrapping up our photo season with one last round of Mini Sessions — featuring one of the STRIDES animals!

These are our last photo shoots of the season — don’t miss your chance for adorable, one-of-a-kind farm portraits!

Please note: we can’t guarantee which animal you’ll have in your session — it all depends on their mood and cooperation that day.

✨ Details:
$75 for a 10-minute spot
Includes at least 5 high-resolution, fully edited digital images
November 8th from 8:30 am - 11:00 am

💡 Tip for parents: If you have a young child who hasn’t met large farm animals before, we recommend stopping by one of our petting zoo days first so they can meet the animals and get comfortable!

To book, visit our booking link below, select mini session, and scroll to November 8th! Payment is required upon booking. Cancellations with full refund available until 48 hours of event.

https://stridestherapyfarm.setmore.com/laura

10/22/2025

With our first round of fall photo shoots all wrapped up, we are announcing our LAST mini sessions of the season tomorrow at 8 am! We will not be offering indoor photos this December. Follow for more info tomorrow morning!

10/18/2025

It's a beautiful day and the animals are ready for a fun event!