About Us

From a Therapeutic Riding Program to So Much More

Since our inception in 1996, our horses have helped thousands of children and adults establish more mindful connections with themselves and other people. That’s why we named our program “Hunkapi,” a Native American word that means “I am related to everyone.”

How We Started

In the late 1990s, Debbie Crews, PhD, a research professor at Arizona State University, discovered that horseback riding had a positive effect on children with AD/HD and autism. The children showed greater self-esteem, reduced depression, and reduced anxiety, among other improvements. This led to the development of a therapeutic riding program at ASU known as Hunkapi, which later became an independent nonprofit organization in sun-drenched Scottsdale.

What We Offer

As we’ve grown, so have our services. Today, our herd offers something for almost everyone—whether you’re a corporate executive developing your leadership style, or the parent of a child with autism looking for alternative therapies.

We also provide horseback riding lessons, corporate team-building, equine-assisted psychotherapy, equine-assisted learning, or simply a fun place for your child’s next birthday party.