Who We Are

DreamPower Horsemanship was founded in August 2002 in San Martin, California. DreamPower was started by Martha McNiel with herself as the only staff member and only volunteer, her personal Arabian horse Nick and Zachary the miniature horse as the only horses. Over the past 13 years, DreamPower has grown to provide services to over 500 individuals through 18 distinct equine-assisted programs and services in 2015.  More than 500 volunteers donated their time and energy to serve our clients and horses in 2015.  The DreamPower therapy herd has grown to 12 riding horses and 5 miniatures (4 mini horses and 1 mini donkey). Because of this service to our community, DreamPower Horsemanship was honored by the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce as the 2015 Non-Profit of the Year.  

In 2014 DreamPower Horsemanship became the first and only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center in the south bay area.  Also in 2014, Pete, one of the DreamPower horses, was honored to be selected as the PATH International Therapy Horse of the Year.  Because of this award, Pete was inducted into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame.  

Three DreamPower staff members have received national or regional awards from PATH Intl.  Martha McNiel was honored as the PATH International Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning Professional of the Year in 2011.  Garry Stauber was honored as the PATH Intl. Region 11 Instructor of the Year in 2014. Also in 2014, Terri Stinson was honored as the PATH Intl. Region 11 Volunteer of the Year.