Hunkapi Programs, Inc.

Hunkapi Programs is on a mission to "teach the world to fear less and love more" through therapeutic, somatic equine programs.

Hunkapi Programs, Inc. (Hoon-KAH-pee) is a thriving and growing sustainable, therapeutic farm located in Scottsdale, Arizona, dedicated to guiding our community to open their hearts. The therapeutic equine program was founded through Dr. Debbie Crews' research at Arizona State University in 1999 and remained at ASU for ten years before evolving into a 501©3 nonprofit in June 2009. Crews' three-year research study investigated the effect of sports (basketball, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, etc.) on children with autism, attention deficit disorders, and other emotional disorders. Her research concluded that of all the sports, an eight-week horseback riding program yielded the most positive impact on attentional focus, self-concept, and self-esteem.

Since 1999, Hunkapi Programs, Inc. has honed and developed from the original eight-week horseback riding program to create a one of a kind, somatic-based, equine therapy program that has become recognized for its ability to aid in the healing of trauma, improve resilience and self-efficacy, decrease fear and anxiety, and promote social engagement and healthy social relationship after traumatic events. Equine-based therapy offers individuals of all physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral states an opportunity to grow and thrive in a setting more dynamic and fulfilling than a traditional therapy office. Hunkapi Programs serves all of Maricopa County and weekly serves over 300 clients from a diverse array of populations including:
• Children in the foster care system with a wide range of behavioral health diagnoses, who are referred by various behavioral health centers across the Valley

• Veterans and First Responders with PTSD caused by their service (This program has received praise, recognition, and appreciation from Governor Doug Ducey. Watch an included video about this program in our profile!)
• Women with Cancer Diagnoses
• Domestic Violence Survivors and their children
• Recovering Addicts
• Recently Diagnosed ALS Patients, in coordination with Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale (Watch an included video about this program in our profile!)

The Hunkapi Programs, Inc. team includes a herd of 31 specially trained, retired, and rescued horses, a staff consisting of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified instructors, behavioral health technicians, horse specialists, and counselors, and nearly 150 volunteers.

Testimonials

"Riley has waited nearly 4 years to become strong enough to ride a horse again, after being a passenger in a horrific car accident on April 11, 2015. Riley's accident left her in a coma with a traumatic brain injury as well as a broken neck, back, jaw, humerus, collarbone, scapula, ribs and pelvis. Her family was told she would not make it through the night. After being placed in a secondary coma to reduce persistent cranial swelling, to allow her brain to rest, she slowly began to improve. After years of recovery and intense rehabilitation, life was looking more positive. Then May 10, 2018, while in the process of relearning to walk again, Riley fell fracturing her right hip. It was discovered that her bones had become extremely weak from being immobile for so long as well as finding a stress fracture from her original accident had contributed to the severity of her fracture.

Riley's faith, strength, and determination helped her reach one of her many goals, to ride a horse again. The positivity and warmth Riley has received, from working with everyone at Hunkapi, as they focus on strengthening Riley's lower body and core while re-establishing her balance and confidence, has been instrumental in helping Riley reach her goals."

"My daughter is always excited and full of joyful stories when she gets in the car when I pick her up. To see her smile again is amazing. This facility has given her joy back to her life."

"My son has had only four lessons, but I can already tell how much of an impact it's making on him. He's so calm and confident when he's finished. The other day I saw him trotting along by himself and it brought tears to my eyes. He looked so strong and happy up there on his horse. Even though we are new to Hunkapi, I really do adore it so much."

"My daughter has anxiety. She has been coming to Hunkapi for a little over 2 years and it is her happy place. She asks to go there and when she is there her confidence in herself shines. She is a different person at Hunkapi."