Changing Gaits Inc

 

If only it could be as easy for us humans to make needed transitions in our lives. It takes more than education for people to change direction and overcome obstacles. For many people caught in addiction ,destructive behaviors, trauma and many of life's other challenges, it takes faith and encouragement — and it sometimes takes a miracle.

Changing Gaits, our equine-assisted therapy facility, near Brook Park, MN, provides plenty of encouragement and support.  We are a faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with horses for equine therapy with a healing bond to educate, mentor, empower behavior changes, and enhance life skills for people from all walks of life.  Including but not limited to people with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities. We are a Non-Discriminatory Ministry. All of our activities are available to all people regardless of race, religion, age, gender, disability, or sexual orientation. 

Here horses help create opportunities for connection, communication, confidence and growth. From individuals finding their voices to those rediscovering hope after difficult seasons, every journey matters. We believe healing happens when people are given a place to belong, a reason to hope, and the opportunity to discover what is possible.

 We are changing lives, one gait at a time!!! 

Nile Guy Kaufman, founder, of CGI had his own journey overcoming addiction, when he decided to help save others from the pain, he himself endured, opening CGI in 2004. Services range from EAL (Equine Assisted Learning), EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy), trail rides, a sober house for men in recovery, peer recovery support specialists, special lift equipment to assist those with disabilities and paralysis get onto a horse safely and an overall sense of joy added to their lives! Mr. Kaufman has multiple equine certifications from Mr. Greg Kersten, the man who founded EAGALA and OK Corral and created the term “Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.”

CGI was among the first in MN to use EAL/EAP to help adults with addiction, trauma, at-risk youth, adolescents with autism, and other mental health disorders. Mr. Kaufman’s dedication and life’s purpose has helped thousands of people with life affirming experiences that offer them enhancement of life. In the organization’s 20 years, CGI has zero reported workplace fatalities and serious injuries, and we are proud to report that between 2018-2024 we have continued to see expediential growth, with 2024 being the best year in the history of CGI. 

God Bless!

Guy Kaufman, Founder, Changing Gaits 

Daniel Larkin, Executive Director, Changing Gaits