hunkapi

Hunkapi Herd Began

About Us

How the herd began

In 1996 Debbie Crews, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor at ASU, began researching the effect of sport on the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autistic populations. For three years she incorporated kids in 8 week athletic programs including: basketball, weight lifting, running, archery, and horseback riding.

Dr. Crews compared all the sports and horseback riding proved to be the most positive intervention. She believed that everyone could benefit from interaction with horses. This sparked the development of the outreach horse program at ASU called Hunkapi. After 10 years with the university, Hunkapi is now a independent non-profit program that continues to serve clients all over the valley.

Hunkapi- The Horse Program with a Heart

Hunkapi Program with a Heart

Hunkapi is the horse program with a heart! “When you see a kid who has never talked start talking; a kid who has never loved start to love; it is more rewarding than any other accomplishment you could ever have. Being part of that is very special ” stated Terra Schaad, Director of Hunkapi. Hunkapi Horse Programs focus on improving life skills, personal development, physical strength and riding skills.
Hunkapi instills self-esteem, positive behavior and emotional strength. Hunkapi horses provide positive feedback, understanding, and patience that overcomes fear, anxiety, and aggression. This provides the opportunity to open the relationship between oneself and others.
Regardless of the needs of the individual, our program strives to incorporate these core philosophies into each session. In addition, Hunkapi tailors each session to fit the needs of the individual.
Hunkapi provides a strong interactive approach which encourages a working alliance between the child’s parents, guardians, and teachers. This provides a cohesive support structure ensuring success in life.
Kids love spending time with the horses. Hunkapi horses greet their kids by lifting their noses over the railing and smiling. Our non-threatening, natural, safe environment encourages individuals to be creative as well as discover the importance of respect, boundaries, responsibility, and freedom. Hunkapi offers all programs at one of our two convenient locations: