Draft:Main Stay Therapeutic Farm
Submission declined on 1 August 2025 by Pythoncoder (talk).
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| Submission declined on 31 July 2025 by GoldRomean (talk). This submission does not appear to be written in the formal tone expected of an encyclopedia article. Entries should be written from a neutral point of view, and should refer to a range of independent, reliable, published sources. Please rewrite your submission in a more encyclopedic format. Please make sure to avoid peacock terms that promote the subject. Declined by GoldRomean 5 days ago. | |
Comment: Topic probably notable. GoldRomean (talk) 00:00, 31 July 2025 (UTC)
- Comment: I work for Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. TheAmericanNaturalist (talk) 21:54, 30 July 2025 (UTC)
Main Stay Therapeutic Farm is a nonprofit organization based in Richmond, Illinois, United States, offering adaptive riding and horsemanship, equine and animal-assisted learning, and adaptive gardening programs for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and behavioral challenges.[1]
History
[edit]Main Stay was founded by equestrian Sara Foszcz and physical therapist Sandy Barcus, with the purpose of supporting children with disabilities through therapeutic riding.[2]The organization was formally incorporated as Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, Inc. in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In 2012, it expanded its programming to include equine and animal-assisted learning and adaptive gardening.[1]
In 2013, Main Stay became the first nonprofit in McHenry County to place its property under a permanent conservation land easement with the Land Conservancy of McHenry County, ensuring environmental protection of the land in perpetuity.[3]
Construction of a new 37,000-square-foot facility began in 2016, including a 20-stall barn, indoor riding arena, and accessible program areas designed to support year-round services.[4]
In 2020, the organization began using the term "adaptive riding" to align with terminology used in other adaptive sports, while still recognizing "therapeutic riding" as an acceptable term.[5]
Mission-Driven Programs
[edit]As of 2023, Main Stay operated with 14 adaptive riding horses and a variety of smaller animals, including goats, rabbits, and a miniature donkey, used for unmounted activities.[6]
Adaptive Riding: Certified PATH Intl. instructors lead adaptive riding sessions tailored to each participant’s physical, cognitive, and emotional goals.[7]
Equine and Animal‑Assisted Learning: Unmounted activities with horses and other animals support personal development, social and emotional learning (SEL), and educational objectives.[8]
Adaptive Gardening: Horticultural activities conducted in accessible garden settings, aimed at promoting sensory engagement and emotional well‑being.[9]
Accreditation
[edit]- Main Stay is a Premier Accredited PATH Intl. center, upholding the highest standards for safety and instructor certification.[10]
- The organization holds a Four‑Star rating and a 100% overall score from Charity Navigator, reflecting excellence in Accountability & Finance, Leadership & Adaptability, and Culture & Community.[11]
- Main Stay has also holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, indicating comprehensive programmatic and financial transparency.[12]
- It is designated as a Guardian by the EQUUS Foundation’s Equine Welfare Network, recognizing its adherence to high standards of equine-assisted services.[13]
Awards and recognition
[edit]- In 2023, Kay, a horse from Main Stay Therapeutic Farm, was named Region 7 Equine of the Year by PATH Intl., which recognizes outstanding equines at therapeutic riding centers across the United States.[14]
- In 2025, Main Stay Therapeutic Farm received a Communicator Award of Excellence for a printed piece.[15]
Media coverage
[edit]- A 2017 Northwest Quarterly article profiled Main Stay’s approach to animal-assisted therapy and highlighted its focus on building independence, confidence, and social connection.[16]
- July 8, 2025: Featured on WGN‑TV’s "Around Town" segment showcasing its adaptive riding, equine and animal‑assisted Learning, and adaptive gardening programs.[17]
- 2023: CBS News produced a video segment highlighting Main Stay’s equine and animal‑assisted Learning curriculum and its impact on emotional well‑being.[18]
- July 28, 2025: Fox 32 Chicago aired a report on animal‑assisted services, featuring Main Stay’s partnership with Meridian Health to address mental health care gaps.[19]
Facilities and location
[edit]Main Stay operates on a 40-acre site, located in the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge corridor, and adjacent to Glacial Park, a McHenry County Conservation District area. Its facilities include an indoor riding arena, outdoor sensory arena, accessible garden, greenhouse, and space for boarding program animals.[1]
Governance and funding
[edit]Main Stay operates as a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 36‑3565747) and is funded through private donations, grants, corporate partnerships, and foundation support. It does not receive direct government funding.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Many Hearts, One Farm". Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ Canfield, Judi (3 November 2017). "More Than Just Horsin' Around at Main Stay". Northwest Quarterly. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
- ^ "JB & B: Main Stay Therapeutic Farm". The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. 25 June 2014. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ Reiland, Jordyn (4 May 2016). "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm prepares for new facility in Richmond". Shaw Local News Network. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ Wood, Wendy; Alm, Kathy; Benjamin, Joann (2020). "Optimal Terminology for Services in the United States That Incorporate Horses to Benefit People: A Consensus Document". Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 27: 88–95. doi:10.1089/acm.2020.0415. PMID 33252244.
- ^ Wilson, Sadie (1 April 2023). "Main Stay farm offers programs that change lives". The Tartan. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
- ^ "Therapeutic Riding & Horsemanship". Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Animal‑Assisted Learning". Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Adaptive Garden". Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm". PATH International. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Main Stay Therapeutic Farm Inc. Profile". Candid. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "Equine Welfare Network Search by Alphabet: M". EQUUS Foundation. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "PATH Intl. and Purina Announce 2023 Equine of the Year – Noble". American Horse Publications. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
- ^ "Winners Gallery". The Communicator Awards. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ Canfield, Judi (3 November 2017). "More Than Just Horsin' Around at Main Stay". Northwest Quarterly. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
- ^ Belaval, Ana (8 July 2025). "Around Town checks out Main Stay Therapeutic Farm with Meridian and YouthCare". WGN‑TV. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ Developing emotional coping mechanisms at Main Stay Therapeutic Farm. CBS News via YouTube. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
- ^ "How animals are helping humans heal – Inside animal‑assisted therapy". Fox 32 Chicago. 28 July 2025. Retrieved 30 July 2025.
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