Help Rebuild Palos Hills Riding Stables Arena

Please help us rebuild the Palos Hills Riding Stables indoor arena!


My name is Anne-Marie Kennedy and I've ridden and volunteered at Palos Hills Riding Stables/New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Foundation for 12+ years. The number of people who consider Martha Thompson-Hoyt and her team at PHRS to be family are too many to count. As one rider put it, "Martha and this Barn have been a pillar in the community, teaching, educating and leading the way for children to develop and nurture their love of horses." 

On February 17th, 2021, the roof of the indoor riding arena at Palos Hills Riding Stables collapsed from several weeks of accumulated snow, ice and subzero temperatures. We are profoundly grateful that no people and no horses were injured in the accident.


WE NEED YOUR HELP TO REBUILD



Palos Hills Riding Stables has been a  fixture in South suburban Palos Hills for more than 60 years, under the guidance of three generations of the Thompson Family.  

PHRS has nurtured thousands of riders of all ages and abilities in the experience of horses. If you've lived in Chicago's West/Southwest suburbs anytime in the last 60 years, chances are good that you, someone you know, or children you know have taken lessons at Palos Hills Riding Stables, attended a birthday party, visited with their Scout Troop or school, attend Summer Camp, enjoyed a trail ride, competed in a Horse Show and so much more. 




The indoor riding arena at PHRS is also home to New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Foundation (501c3) which offers PATH-certified Equine Therapy to differently-abled riders dealing with cognitive, emotional and physical challenges.  New Beginnings also works with veterans, first-responders and front-line workers struggling with PTSD-related issues through the "One Good Day" program. 

Can we share some New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding highlights we are particularly proud of? 

* A child who did not speak utter "walk" on therapy horse Oreo

*Therapy horse Sabrina gently building the confidence of a fearful rider

*A rider once so full of anger and mistrust who now lights up the ring with their smile and enthusiasm

*The veterans who arrive at the barn broken and anxious who find peace and enjoyment during a "One Good Day" event

Without the indoor riding ring, these programs, lessons, Children's camps, (especially those scheduled for the Spring/Summer 2021 which are so desperately needed for pandemic relief) cannot happen. This is particularly devastating for New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding because ALL of the lessons take place within the indoor arena and will be on hold until the arena is rebuilt.

Funds raised through this campaign will support the rebuilding of the arena which includes new trusses, ceilings, roofing, siding, and electrical work, all of which are "out of pocket" expenses. Palos Hills Riding Stables/New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Foundation will have direct access to the funds raised. 

Want some good news? We firmly believe that In ADVERSITY there is OPPORTUNITY, and this is an opportunity to rebuild a vital part of this beloved institution so that it can continue to serve the community for many more generations of riders to come. 

Will you please join us in helping to secure the future of Palos Hills Riding Stables? 

We are grateful for ANY amount, as every bit adds up. Please help us to spread the word and share through social media, text, email, word of mouth, pony express...

        "If you're going to move mountains, first you start with a few stones." 

From the bottom of our hooves, we thank you!