For years the “I CAN!” Horse Co-op has been working to inspire and encourage families through horsemanship. Started ten years ago by the guidance of Co-op director Miss Jane Marek, the Co-op began with a handful of kids and horses. Since then it has grown to a barn supporting ten horses that in turn are the lesson mounts for twenty-two families. Tymme, a seasoned Co-op member of four years, comments, “The Co-op gives me something to look forward to every week. It provides me with the opportunity to spend time with horses.”

A relatively new Co-op member named Becca, a horse owner, came to Co-op to learn horsemanship. She shares what the Co-op has done for her; “The Co-op has really helped me in knowing more about the health of horses, it has taught me to know when something’s not right with my own horse.”

The Co-op has taught many kids horsemanship that otherwise wouldn’t have had the opportunity. Most of the members come never having been around horses, but all that come are willing to learn. Several of the kids have advanced to new levels of horsemanship, one such member being Naomi, who has started dressage and jumping. “The Horse Co-op has taught me the fundamentals of horseback riding and launched me on a lifelong adventure with horses” Naomi declares, “It has also taught me the importance of hard work, friendship, and patience.”

Another Co-op member, Amy, has also advanced in her horsemanship due to the Horse Co-op. Now an adult volunteer, Amy started Co-op five years ago and has since become the main trainer for Co-op horse Mia.

Amy remarks, “The Co-op has done so much for me, it’s nice to be able to give a little of that back. I hope I’ll be able to keep doing it for years to come.”

Overall, the Co-op has given many children the chance to cultivate their love for horses. Not only do they teach the kids to ride, but they also teach them to care for the horses and basic farm upkeep. “The I-Can Horse Co-op is an extraordinary place for horses and horse lovers” says Hannah, owner of Co-op horse Kazz, “I know my horse loves it there.”

Indeed, there’s not a horse or kid at the “I CAN!” Horse Co-op who doesn’t appreciate what the Co-op has done for them.

The “I CAN!” Horse Co-op is a program dedicated to teaching kids horsemanship that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity. If you would like to make a donation or learn more about the “I CAN!” Horse Co-op, a Non-profit 501(c)(3), e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or go to our web site at: www.icanhorseco-op.org