Giant City Stables and Therapeutic Riding Services

12/25/2025

Ruth and her buddies want to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

12/21/2025

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

12/21/2025

This was almost enough hay for the month of December. They sure did eat a lot, 5 1/2 tons for this month! Plus grain, 70 pounds a day. Keeping the herd well fed and happy. Yum yum!!

12/14/2025

Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
EPHESIANS 5:20

12/02/2025

Greetings friends and community members,

I would like to share my story, as owner of Giant City Stables and founder of our NFP to support equine therapeutic activities, with you today that is based upon the premise - Where there is a vision, people flourish.

Giant City Stables is a dream that began in 1984 when the Kelley family, owners and operators of Giant City Lodge, had a vision for Giant City State Park. That vision was to add guided trail rides in the park to increase tourism in Southern Illinois and provide a fun family activity for both locals and travelers. In 1995, they sold the business to Carole Hadden Spa, who brought her talent for teaching therapeutic riding to individuals with disabilities, enhancing the business.

In 2002, I purchased Giant City Stables as Carole’s health issues limited her ability to continue working. Although I had a love of horses and past business experience, this was a whole new adventure for me—far beyond any previous undertaking. Carole agreed to mentor me and teach me the ropes of therapeutic riding. It was a humbling and enlightening experience, one that took me on a ten-year journey of learning and growth.

During this journey, I cultivated a dream that grew from Carole’s vision: and my dream included a learning, training, and riding facility offering services to those in need. This new indoor riding arena allows this dream to become a reality and will facilitate expansion for additional comprehensive services with multiple modalities catering to individuals with disabilities.

A significant part of this endeavor was to offer services for veterans. My father was a WWII veteran who silently suffered the effects of combat service. It wasn't until his late 80s, after he learned of my work with veterans, that he began to share his experiences. His story illuminated the unspoken need for veteran services inspiring me to support our veterans further.

For the past 40+ years, Giant City Stables has provided guided trail rides and a variety of horse-related activities in the park, including 30 years of therapeutic riding for children and adults with disabilities. I have proudly been part of this journey for the past 23 years.

About 15 years ago, I initiated an effort to extend our services to veterans. With the invaluable help of my friend, volunteer, and veteran, Tammi Penski, we laid the foundation for our veteran program, which it is still based on today.

Soon after, the governor’s office and the IDNR inquired if our stables offered any services for veterans, which indeed we were. Through these conversations, Giant City Stables was approved for a 2-year pilot program with the Marion VA to offer equine therapeutic riding to veterans with PTSD, a program that continues successfully to this day.

Giant City Stables remains a dedicated partner with the Marion VA, proudly providing therapeutic services to veterans.

With this new indoor riding arena, we will achieve the next set of goals from that initial dream. I am blessed with the support of the community and look forward to forging new partnerships. With your support and God’s guidance, this dream will be greater than I could ever imagine. Our vision is taking shape, but we’re not done yet. Your donation today helps transform this project and support those we serve. Together, we can make it happen.

In parting I would like to share with you a Danish Proverb that says: What you are is God’s gift to you. What you become is your gift to God.

This new indoor riding arena is more than just a new building it is a gateway for greater things to come.

Ramona

12/01/2025

paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/2354272

12/01/2025

Support Our Equine Therapeutic Riding Program this Giving Tuesday!

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to help us transform lives. Our Equine Therapeutic Riding Program supports children, teens, adults, and veterans, providing them with unique opportunities for growth, healing, and empowerment.

Your generosity can help us:

🐴 Offset costs for riders with disabilities, ensuring everyone has access to our transformative programs.

👨‍👩‍👦 Launch new initiatives for veteran family members and Gold Star families, expanding our reach and impact.

🐎 Maintain the health and happiness of our beloved therapy horses, the heart of our mission.

🏗️ Complete the electrification of our new indoor riding arena, enhancing our facilities for year-round use.

Every gift, big or small, helps us continue our mission and touch more lives. Thank you for considering us as you plan your Giving Tuesday contributions.

🔗 Scan the QR code below to donate and support our mission. Your contribution helps us offer these life-changing experiences to more individuals in need.

Thank you for your generosity and for making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can create a brighter future through the magic of equine therapy. 🐴❤️



https://tinyurl.com/GiveSI2025-gcstables

11/30/2025

https://youtu.be/NzPWH1005Oc?list=PLB9wn2ceRMdcsryYm4cLdED-wIhBiZ02L

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

11/30/2025

Breakfast is on the way this brisk cold morning. Yum yum!!

11/27/2025

💚 Thank You to Our Therapeutic Riding Community! 💚
We are incredibly grateful for the trust and dedication of our therapeutic riding participants. Your courage and resilience inspire us every day. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey and for enriching our lives with your presence. Together, we create a space of healing and hope. 🌈

11/25/2025

Lucky and Dodger want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving holiday! 🦃🦃🦃
Safe travels and good times with family and friends.

Lucky is the gray mare on the left and Dodger is the bay gelding on the right. If you remember Dodger was very sick about two years ago and as you can see he is happy and healthy today thanks to the generosity of those that donated to his hospital and veterinarian care. He was a very sick boy and required a long time to recover. Dodger continues to be a staple along with Lucky as a reliable, dependable trail, lesson and therapeutic riding horse. Thank you Dodger and Lucky for taking care of all those that come to the barn for a ride.

11/24/2025

🐴 It's All About the Horses! 🐴
A special thank you to our amazing horses, who work tirelessly to bring joy and healing to our riders. They are the true stars of our programs, offering patience, strength, and companionship. Thank you to our equine partners for their hard work and gentle spirits. We love you! 🐎❤️