Our Mission

The Power of Patience was founded on a simple belief: growth takes time, trust, and understanding. What began as a training and rehabilitation program dedicated to the thoughtful development of sport horses has evolved into a place where both horses and people can connect, heal, and thrive.

At the heart of our mission is the belief that patience, paired with kindness, structure, healthy boundaries, and compassion, creates an environment where trust can be established and emotional safety is available to all. Through meaningful partnerships with horses, dedicated volunteers, and a caring community, we help individuals with autism and special needs build confidence, connection, independence, and joy while experiencing the unique bond that exists between horses and people. Our work is grounded in the understanding that when individuals feel safe, supported, and understood, they are empowered to grow, learn, and reach their fullest potential.

Our Founder, Wendy Lee Thompson

For more than 20 years, I have dedicated my work to training and competing show jumping horses, rehabilitating horses that have suffered physical and emotional trauma, and developing a methodology that puts the horse's well-being first while still allowing horses and riders to achieve success in competition.

Through this work, I discovered that both rehabilitated horses and individuals in the special needs and autistic community are often misunderstood—not because they lack the ability to communicate, but because we do not always understand their language. Working with sensitive, traumatized horses taught me the importance of emotional safety, trust, patience, and consistency, which naturally led me to recognize the remarkable connection between horses and the special needs community.

At the heart of our program is the belief that when horses and people feel safe, understood, relaxed, and valued, they are able to learn, grow, and perform at their highest potential. Supported by structure, healthy boundaries, fitness, and compassionate guidance, we create an environment where both horses and people can build confidence, develop skills, and thrive.

POP Culture

Every person within our program embodies the principles of love in all aspects. Handling, longing, grooming, riding, and all interactions with horses and people. We use patience, kindness, and compassion to understand and connect with each individual horse and person. Teaching people how to navigate the pressures of show jumping with the Power of Patience.

Slowing down is often faster for results.

Every transformation begins with the Power of Patience.

  • Refuge

    Our team rescues horses from unsafe environments and provides stabling and proper care, tailored to their specific needs and areas of concern.

    • Spacious Stabling
    • Daily Paddock Time
    • Quality Feed
    • Quality Care + Grooming
    • Herbal Supplementation
    • Farrier Foot Care
    • Veterinary Care
    • Connection with other horses

  • Rehabilitation

    We provide intuitive rehabilitation based on Wendy’s 30 years of experience, to bring our horses back to emotional, physical and mental equilibrium.

    • Physiotherapy
    • Chiropractic
    • Class 5 Laser
    • Cryotherapy  
    • Body Work 
    • Energy Work
    • Fascia Release
    • BEMER Technology
    • Responds Systems 

  • Training

    Wendy’s training program and methodologies for more compassionate, considerate and effective training techniques that prioritize:

    • Daily Movement 
    • Stretching & Strengthening 
    • Mental and Physical Unwinding
    • Trail Rides & Hacking / “play”
    • Understanding the Psyche of the Horse 
    • Consistent Repetition for confidence building of both the horse and rider 
    • Strengthening & Conditioning

  • Transformation

    Horses we’ve helped overcome:

    • Traumas that led to bolting, rearing, or refusal to move forward
    • Spookiness and hypervigilance
    • Chronic conditions such as EPM and Laminitis
    • Emotional and physical scars from neglect or mistreatment
    • Thoughtful development of young horses

    Riders we’ve supported:

    • Confidence rebuilding associated with PTSD
    • Supporting competitive riders with mindful show jumping practices and training
    • Guiding beginners with patient, confidence-building instruction

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