Hands & Hooves believes in the powerful benefits provided by our bond with animals. Founded in 1998, to provide physical and recreational horseback riding therapy to children and adults who have physical and/or developmental disabilities, our mission expanded in 2012 to include the use of rescue animals to enhance the lives of people in need.   In addition to offering therapeutic horseback riding, we also rescue and rehabilitate Chicago’s abused and homeless dogs.  After extensive training, our certified therapy dogs participate in several community enrichment programs.  We pair animals with veterans who suffer from post- traumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injuries as well as low income/at-risk children in the Chicago Public Schools through the SitStayRead ^© literacy program.  The mission of Hands & Hooves Riding, Rescue & Rehabilitation is to improve the quality of life for both people and animals in need through participation in quality, affordable therapeutic horseback riding and specialized animal services.   As a grass roots organization staffed by unpaid volunteers, 100% of the generous donations we receive go directly to the animals and people we serve.