A STORY OF LOVE, HOPE, AND CHANGE
OUR MISSION
Changing Gaits is a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with horses
for equine therapy with a healing bond to educate, mentor, empower behavioral changes, and enhance life skills for all age groups with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities.
JOIN OUR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
Help Us Feed And Care For Our 35+ Horses. Your generous support helps continue our dedicated daily care of feeding, grooming, housing, and veterinary costs to keep our horses safe, healthy, and happy.
HOW TO HELP OUR HORSES
Please select your sponsorship donation level. Paypal and credit cards are accepted for one-time and monthly donations. We sincerely thank you for your support and contribution!
Please email or call us directly to discuss our Business and Sponsorship Opportunities and Perks. Thank you so much!
Sponsor Perks:
4x6" print, certificate of contribution, (2 one hour rides for monthly sponsors)
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Sponsor Perks:
Changing Gaits hat, 4x6" print, certificate of contribution, 4 one-hour rides for monthly sponsors)
Sponsor Perks:
Changing Gaits mug and hat, 4x6" print, certificate of contribution, (12 one-hour rides for monthly sponsors)
Sponsor Perks:
1 hour ride and selfie with your favorite horse, Changing Gaits mug and hat, 4x6" print, certificate of contribution, (12 guided two-hour rides for monthly sponsors)
OUR FEATURED HORSES
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We help people. Our horses help people heal and change their lives. At Changing Gaits we recognize and understand the value and impact horses have on us all- the help us with self-esteem, self-empowerment, self-awareness, self-control, and most importantly horses give us happiness.
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ABOUT US
Founder &
Executive Director
Guy Kaufman
Nile “Guy” Kaufman is a Certified Equine Specialist through OK Coral, the Lead Trail Guide and a Public Speaker. He has been in recovery and free from addiction for 20 + years. He has extensive experience in relapse prevention with addiction. Guy enjoys working with adults with disabilities, kids with special needs, and mentoring troubled youth.
Director of
Ministry Outreach
Sam McKie
Sam is a graduate and former resident of Changing Gaits. Sam is an ordained pastor at Changing Gaits and at New Hope Community. Church. He attended Luther Seminary in St. Paul and has experience working in the mission field for several years in the Dominican Republic. He is married to Mellissa and they have two incredible blessings, Trevin and Amalya. His “life verses” are Proverbs 3:5-7.
Manager
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Aldo Hathaway
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As a christian-made horse enthusiast., Aldo is equine certified and has special skills in ferrying, electrical, auto mechanics, and roofing. He enjoys working with special needs children and conducting pony rides with his horses to the public and charitable events.
Program Director
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George Will
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After learning the hard way what doesn’t work in life, George learned how to succeed. He loves teaching and working alongside staff. George has a natural knack in helping residents stay focused on their successful sobriety. He is happily married to Betty for 20+ years and lives in Ogilvie, Minnesota.
Licensed Alcohol
& Drug Counselor
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Cheryl Shanahan
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Cheryl is certified in Equine Assisted Therapy and has worked in the field of addiction since 1980. She has experience in prevention, relapse, and dual diagnoses and works directly with adults, children, and families together.
CHANGING GAITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Pelz
Officer / Bridge Outreach
Don Theisen
Officer / Director – Washington City Public Works
Cheryl Shanahan
Officer / Secretary / Changing Gaits Lead Counselor
Nile Guy Kaufman
Chairman / Founder / Executive Director
Sam McKie
President / Director of Ministry Outreach
Tim Mehner
Vice President / Independent Contractor
Nina McDowell
Treasurer / Community Living Options – Direct Support Professional
