equineeyes1@gmail.com
217-520-5083
At Equine Eyes, we empower individuals with visual disabilities by providing trained miniature horses as service animals. Our mission enhances independence, increases mobility, and improves quality of life through innovative service horse training. Each trained horse is provided to each individual free of charge. By fostering the unique bond between humans and horses, we aim to create a world where every person with visual disabilities can lead a more fulfilling and self-sufficient life, and to enhance the effectiveness of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Our horses are more than service animals; they are trusted partners, trained with compassion and purpose. We use positive reinforcement training modalities to ensure our horses thrive and enjoy their roles with the people they serve.
We’re proud to be one of the few organizations worldwide dedicated solely to training miniature guide horses for individuals with visual disabilities.
The miniature horse is intelligent, intuitive, and calm under pressure, providing many years of assistance and making it a life-changing alternative to traditional service animals for individuals who need a long-term mobility partner.
Equine Eyes is committed to inclusion, innovation, and love, whether we’re working with clients, caring for our horses, or speaking to the public about disability rights and service animal access.
Join us as we continue to expand awareness, transform lives, and redefine what’s possible through the unique and powerful connection between horse & human.
Hi! I am Dr. Stephanie Gaddy, and I have worked in higher education as both a faculty member and an administrator in a college’s office for disability services. I live in Normal, Illinois. I have my Doctorate in Special Education (Ed.D.) and currently am a faculty member in higher education, instructing doctoral students in Special Education.
I have three grown children and two grandsons. My horse, Sir, a Quarter Horse, lives at Fisher ‘Freedom’ Farms in the impressive care of Holly Fisher. I also want to include my three Beagles, Caesar, Noonan, and Goldie, who I spoil every day.
I became interested in horses a few years ago and have pursued, as well as continue to learn, knowledge about horses and the amazing gifts they give to us. I became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor to support people with all disabilities. As a board member of Equine Eyes, I hope to, with the help of horses, provide more support to people with disabilities. In addition to my academic research,
I also research how equine interactions can better support people with disabilities and those who struggle with mental health issues.
I am honored and thankful to be a part of Equine Eyes’ and will work diligently to promote the wonderful benefits that horses so willingly provide to us
Being a part of Equine Eyes is a natural extension of my lifelong passion for horses and helping people. Many years were spent raising and breeding miniature horses, and I’m excited about the possibility of introducing some of my most promising minis into the guide horse training program in the future. It’s rewarding to be involved in something that brings so much hope and independence to others.
We also encourage you to visit our friends at CALI Corp(Cheval Assistants & Leaders International). They arethe world’s first 501(c)3 organization dedicated entirely to training and matching people with miniature service horses.
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