10804 McConnell Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098

(815) 337-5563

info@hahs.org

Protecting Horses And Strengthening The Community

Build A Future Without Weather Barriers

possible_new_red_white_arena

*The above image is a sample version of the heated indoor arena.

Our Legacy

Since 1971, Hooved Animal Humane Society (HAHS) has been a trusted steward of horse welfare. For 55 years, we have protected horses from neglect and abuse, supported the equestrian community, partnered with law enforcement and nonprofit agencies, and adapted to meet evolving community needs with compassion and accountability.

Our longevity reflects deep community trust and a steadfast commitment to humane care.

A Growing Mission

HAHS’s work has expanded significantly in recent years:

  • In 2023, we launched our Community Children’s Outreach Programs, offering children—many from nonprofit partner agencies and underserved communities, including Chicago—the opportunity to experience the joy of horses.

  • In 2026, HAHS launched a program to support survivors of domestic violence who have horses, removing a critical barrier to safety by providing equine-related assistance and temporary, secure housing for their animals.

Each initiative reinforces a core belief:
Animal welfare and human welfare are inseparable.

The Challenge

Illinois weather presents significant limitations to HAHS’s outdoor-dependent operations. Snow, ice, extreme cold, heat, and rain can halt or delay:

  • Horse rehabilitation and training
  • Community outreach programming
  • Educational opportunities and public events
  • Fundraising activities

These disruptions slow progress for horses, limit community access, and increase reliance on costly temporary structures

The Solution: A Heated Indoor Arena & Year-Round Training Space

HAHS is launching a Capital Campaign to construct a heated indoor arena designed to support horses, people, and programs through all seasons.

This facility will be large enough to accommodate multiple horses working at the same time, allowing staff, trainers, and volunteers to operate efficiently while maintaining safety and individualized care. The space will also be designed to host public events, educational programs, and community gatherings, strengthening engagement and visibility.

In addition, this project will allow HAHS to enclose the existing round pen within one of our current buildings, transforming it into a year-round training and rehabilitation space. This enhancement significantly expands our capacity for groundwork, behavioral training, and controlled rehabilitation—especially for horses recovering from trauma and neglect.

This is not simply a building project.
It is a strategic investment in infrastructure, care continuity, and long-term impact.

Impact of the Project

For Horses

  • Heated indoor space allows uninterrupted rehabilitation in winter and extreme weather

  • Multiple horses can be worked safely and simultaneously, improving efficiency and outcomes

  • Enclosed round pen provides a controlled, year-round environment for training and behavior work

  • Reduced length of stay and improved readiness for adoption

For People

  • Community outreach programs for children can continue year-round without weather barriers

  • Public events, educational programs, and partner gatherings can be held on site

  • Domestic violence survivors placing horses with HAHS in 2026 will know their animals are cared for safely, consistently, and humanely

For Sustainability

  • Eliminates or reduces recurring expenses for rented tents and temporary event structures

  • Improves operational efficiency and staff safety

  • Maximizes donor dollars by directing funds toward mission-critical work rather than short-term fixes

A Responsible, Forward-Thinking Investment

A heated indoor arena and enclosed training space represent thoughtful stewardship of donor resources. These improvements reduce weather-related disruptions, strengthen program delivery, and create a flexible facility capable of serving a wide range of needs for decades to come.

This project will support thousands of horses, children, families, and community partners over its lifetime.

A Legacy Opportunity

As HAHS celebrates 55 years of service, this capital campaign marks a defining moment in our organization’s history.

A gift to this campaign ensures:

  • Humane care without seasonal interruption

  • Expanded access to horses for children and community partners

  • Greater safety and stability for survivors and their animals

  • A resilient, future-ready organization

Donors will help build a space where compassion is not limited by weather and where healing, learning, and connection continue year-round.


Join Us in Building the Future

Together, we can create a facility that reflects the values HAHS has upheld for 55 years—care, responsibility, and community.

A naming opportunity is more than recognition—it is a lasting statement of compassion, leadership, and belief in a future where care is never limited by weather.

To discuss naming opportunities or schedule a private tour, please contact HAHS.