Hunkapi Programs, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is on a mission to teach the world to fear less and love more through therapeutic, somatic equine programs.  The Hunkapi therapeutic equine program was founded through Dr. Debbie Crews' research at Arizona State University in 1999 and remained at ASU for ten years before evolving into a 501(c)3 nonprofit in June 2009. Crews' three-year research study investigated the effect of sports (basketball, cycling, swimming, horseback riding, etc.) on children with autism, attention deficit disorders, and other emotional disorders. Her research concluded that of all the sports, an eight-week horseback riding program yielded the most positive impact on attentional focus, self-concept, and self-esteem.

Since 1999, Hunkapi Programs, Inc. has honed and developed from the original eight-week horseback riding program to create a one of a kind, somatic-based, equine therapy program that has become recognized for its ability to aid in the healing of trauma, improve resilience and self-efficacy, decrease fear and anxiety, and promote social engagement and healthy social relationship after traumatic events.

Equine-based therapy offers individuals of all physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral states an opportunity to grow and thrive in a setting more dynamic and fulfilling than a traditional therapy office. Hunkapi Programs serves all of Maricopa County and weekly serves over 300 clients from a diverse array of populations including:

• Children in the foster care system with a wide range of behavioral health diagnoses
• Veterans and first responders with PTSD caused by their service
• Women with cancer diagnoses
• Domestic violence survivors and their children
• Recovering addicts
• Recently diagnosed ALS patients
  

The Hunkapi Programs, Inc. team includes a herd of 26 specially trained, retired, and rescued horses, a staff consisting of Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) certified instructors, behavioral health technicians, horse specialists, and counselors, and nearly 150 volunteers.