New Enclosed Arena Opens at Giant City Stables, Expanding Year-Round Therapeutic Riding Access
- Jenny Vaughn
- May 15
- 3 min read
On July 1, Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Dale Fowler, and partners from across the state gathered at Giant City State Park to celebrate the opening of a new enclosed riding arena at Giant City Stables. The $430,000 public-private investment marks a major step forward in expanding therapeutic horseback riding access for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
I had the honor of attending the ribbon cutting for this project and what made the event truly special wasn’t just the speeches or the new building. It was standing in that space, seeing the children and veterans who have already benefited from this program. Their joy, confidence, and connection with the horses were clear to everyone there. It reminded me why our work matters.
This new indoor arena provides a safe, private, and climate-controlled space for therapy sessions. It’s designed to protect the dignity and comfort of every rider. It also ensures that these important services can continue no matter the season.
Giant City Stables has been offering therapeutic riding for over 30 years. For the past two decades, they’ve also partnered with the Marion VA Medical Center to serve veterans. Now, with this new space, they’ll be able to do even more.
Governor JB Pritzker spoke at the ribbon cutting and shared,
“My administration has worked hard to invest in facilities and programming like the ones at Giant City State Park—those that are mission-focused and community-oriented. Over many decades, Giant City Stables has helped countless individuals, their families, and their communities find a sense of peace, strength, and confidence through horse-riding. Thanks to cross-agency collaboration to fund new facility upgrades, Giant City Stables will be able to continue these therapeutic services year-round, reaching more state park visitors than ever before.”
Illinois Conservation Foundation was proud to support this project alongside IDNR, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Laborers’ Local 773, and the generous donors who helped make it happen.
“As the nonprofit partner to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a proud champion of Illinois State Parks, we work to bridge public and private support for projects just like this one,” I shared during the event. “We were honored to be part of this effort because it reflects our mission of expanding access to the outdoors and strengthening Illinois’ conservation legacy for generations to come.”
IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie also spoke at the event.
“As a healthcare provider, I have seen how beneficial different types of therapy can be for individuals,” she said. “I’m thrilled that IDNR can play a part in ensuring southern Illinoisans who benefit from equine therapy will not only have access to it but will be able to enjoy it in the best conditions possible year-round.”
Ramona Twellman, the certified riding instructor and longtime operator of Giant City Stables, has dedicated her life to this work.
“Giant City Stables has offered trail rides and therapeutic programs that change lives for over four decades, one hoofbeat at a time,” Ramona said. “We’re honored to work with amazing partners like the Marion VA Medical Center, the Autism Society of Southern Illinois, and many others who help us reach even further into our community.”
The new arena is named in honor of Richard A. Kelley, who helped start the horseback riding program at Giant City in the 1980s and has supported it ever since.
This project is a perfect example of what happens when public and private partners work together. It creates lasting change. It opens doors. And it gives more people the chance to experience healing, hope, and connection through nature.
Want to support inclusive and accessible outdoor spaces like this one?
Visit ilconservation.org to learn more about our work and how you can help.
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