Kazakh NGO Uses Horse Therapy to Transform Lives of Disabled Children

From riding arenas to classrooms, one organization is breaking barriers for disabled youth. Their secret? The healing power of horses and community-driven passion.

, and Administrator

2026 March 26 . 10:02 PM

1 min read

The image shows a herd of horses grazing on top of a lush green field, surrounded by a fence with... — The image shows a herd of horses grazing on top of a lush green field, surrounded by a fence with poles. In the background, there are trees, hills, and a clear blue sky.

Kazakh NGO Uses Horse Therapy to Transform Lives of Disabled Children

The Youth Society for People with Disabilities in Taraz has received backing from the German-Kazakh Society in Berlin. This nonprofit organisation, based near the Sebulak Reservoir, focuses on hippotherapy—a treatment combining social-psychological support with horse-assisted interventions. Over 300 children with physical and intellectual disabilities have taken part in its programmes since 2014. Founded in 2014, the society operates from a self-built facility that includes a stud farm, riding arena, orchard, and animal pens. Its work has helped 43 children transition into mainstream education, while others have gone on to compete in equestrian events. The organisation also collaborates with the Department of Special Education at Taraz State Pedagogical University.

A recent fundraising campaign, *LEGO WeDo Kits for Primary Education in Taraz*, has attracted contributions from Dorothea Haller-Laible and Ulf Schneider. As a registered nonprofit, the society can issue tax-deductible receipts for donations, ensuring continued support for its therapeutic and educational initiatives. While exact participation numbers for the hippotherapy programme remain undisclosed, the society's broader impact includes long-term partnerships and community-driven development projects.

The German-Kazakh Society's support will help expand the society's reach. With a focus on hippotherapy and education, the organisation continues to provide structured programmes for children with disabilities. Its fundraising efforts and academic collaborations aim to strengthen resources for future participants.