What is Three Gaits in Stoughton, WI?
Three Gaits is a nonprofit in Stoughton, Wisconsin, that provides equine-assisted activities and therapy for people with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities. Its mission is to enhance the lives of people of all ages who have physical, emotional, cognitive, or social disabilities through programs built around partnerships with horses. If you are looking for therapeutic horseback riding or equine-assisted learning in the Stoughton area, this is the organization to know.
What Three Gaits does
The organization pairs riders with horses to work toward physical, emotional, and social goals. According to its mission statement, Three Gaits exists to provide equine-assisted activities and therapy, and it describes its horses as "equine partners" in that work.
The scope of who it serves is broad. Programs are designed for people with:
- Physical disabilities
- Emotional disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Cognitive disabilities
- Social disabilities
Participants range across all ages, from children to seniors.
Who it partners with
Three Gaits does not work with riders in isolation. It partners with:
- Families
- Community centers
- Social services
- Residential facilities
- Senior centers
These partnerships are how the organization reaches people who can benefit from its learning experiences. If you are a case manager, family member, or staff at one of these types of organizations, that partnership model is the entry point to explore.
Where it is located
Three Gaits operates a farm in Stoughton, WI. The organization is currently in the middle of a capital campaign called Unbridled Potential, aimed at building a heated, fully accessible arena and adaptive stable. A leadership gift of $1 million was announced toward the $4.5 million effort, with a target of breaking ground in 2026. That matters if accessibility or year-round programming is a factor in your decision — the campaign is specifically about expanding both.
How it is funded
Three Gaits relies on donors and partners to keep the farm open and programs running. Support comes through:
- Monetary donations
- Horse donations
- Sponsorships
- Gifts
There is also a volunteer pathway. Roles include supporting riders, caring for horses, and maintaining facilities. The organization frames volunteering as a way to join a supportive community, not just fill a shift.
What families report
Testimonials on the site describe outcomes in practical terms. One family noted improvements in a rider's physical skills, saying their child met physical therapy goals faster after starting riding lessons. Another described seeing self-confidence show up in posture — sitting taller — and in a rider speaking a command out loud to the horse. A program manager described riders practicing greetings and small talk before class, then taking turns leading patterns or demonstrating skills during it, which builds confidence and pride.
These are individual accounts, not clinical claims, but they illustrate the kind of goals the program works toward: physical skill, communication, and confidence.
How to get involved or learn more
If you want to explore programs, the site directs you to a programs page for details. For giving, there is a donation pathway. For volunteering, there is a separate sign-up and information route. The organization also runs events, including a fundraiser called Walk Trot Toast with an online silent auction, and offers a news subscription by email.
The most direct next step depends on your role:
- Family or individual seeking services: start with the programs information to see what fits.
- Organization or agency: consider a partnership conversation, since that is an explicit part of how Three Gaits operates.
- Donor or volunteer: the give and volunteer pages lay out the options.
Because program availability, schedules, and eligibility details are not fully specified in the available site information, confirm specifics directly with Three Gaits before making plans.