Indianz.Com > News > Cronkite News: Farm offers horse therapy for adults and youth
Thor and Samson
From left, Thor and Samson, therapy horses, graze on grass at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Each horse has a special diet that is specific to their health and needs. Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News
Hunkapi Farm therapy horses beat the heat, help riders heal and connect
Friday, August 1, 2025
By Kayla Christenson
Cronkite News
cronkitenews.azpbs.org

SCOTTSDALE — In the stalls at Hunkapi Farm, as the brutal sun scorches the surrounding grounds, therapy horses feel the heat. While most of the horses travel north to Flagstaff in the summer to beat Arizona’s high temperatures, a handful stay behind to continue providing services to people in need.

At the 10-acre farm named after a saying from the Lakota Native American tribe meaning “we are all related,” the therapy horses work alongside adults and children with a wide range of diagnoses, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Addiction Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other life challenges. Hunkapi Farm uses the bond between horse and human as a catalyst for positive growth in the lives of participants.

Thor
Thor, a therapy horse, looks up after taking a bite of food at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Hunkapi is a 10-acre farm home to more than 30 therapy horses, chickens, cows, donkeys, and more during the spring season. Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News

In order for Hunkapi Farm to succeed, the equine-centered programs rely on volunteers and donations. During the summer months, horses need electrolytes and special attention that requires more people and money.

“It really feels like I’m giving back to the community,” said volunteer Jen Olsen. “We make sure all the horses are taken care of, from feeding them to cleaning up the farm. And we always reserve time at the end to give love to the horses.”

Kathy Feibus
Kathy Feibus, herd care specialist and volunteer, pets Reyna, therapy horse, at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Each volunteer is responsible for feeding and washing horses and cleaning areas. Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News

The animals, which have either been rescued or donated, have had long careers in competitive horse racing or were working horses. Along with a licensed therapist, the horses help guide riders in building healthy relationships as well as regulating their thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

“Our commitment to them is that once we adopt them, they’re ours for the rest of their lives,” Olsen said. “We want them to retire and have a lovely life on the farm for the rest of their days.”

Lisa Calkins
Lisa Calkins, volunteer, stands with Sammy, therapy horse, at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Volunteers are trained to walk horses before their volunteer days start. Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News

Kathy Feibus and Thor
Kathy Feibus, herd care specialist and volunteer, pets therapy horse Thor at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Hunkapi is from the Lakota Native American tribe and means: “Making relatives.” Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News

Jen Olsen
Jen Olsen, herd care specialist, sprinkles electrolytes over horse food pellets at Hunkapi Farm in Scottsdale, Arizona, on July 29, 2025. Horses require electrolytes during the hot summer months to ensure they are hydrated throughout the day. Photo by Kayla Christenson / Cronkite News

For more stories from Cronkite News, visit cronkitenews.azpbs.org.

Note: This story originally appeared on Cronkite News. It is published via a Creative Commons license. Cronkite News is produced by the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University.
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