Horses Helping Our Community

Bringing Joy to our East Texas Community

Welcome to Lake Fork Stables, a 501c3 nonprofit organization nestled in the heart of Yantis, Texas. At Lake Fork Stables, we believe that horses can be powerful teachers and partners who can help us navigate life’s challenges, no matter how young or old we are. 

As we step into a new chapter at Lake Fork Stables, we are committed to extending our services beyond just the children of East Texas. Our aim is to cater to the needs of our entire Lake Fork community, including our senior citizens. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy and benefits of equestrian activities regardless of age. 

Through our Riders Up! and Joyful Journey programs, participants discover:

  • Self-reliance

  • Independence

  • Self-confidence

  • A deeper sense of empathy for others

  • The beauty of the horse-human connection

  • The soul cleansing of nature and being outdoors

Every young rider who graces our stables becomes a part of the Riders Up! Family. Our primary objective is to create a warm and enjoyable environment where children feel safe and eagerly participate in each lesson. 

Our newest program, Joyful Journey, is designed for seniors who desire to reignite their love for horses. Through ground lessons and in-hand dressage principles, we help our older community improve their mental and physical well-being, fostering a sense of joy and rejuvenation. 

Our comprehensive programs cover all facets of safe horsemanship and adhere to a Levels-based curriculum providing goals and rewards for each level completed. 

Explore our Programs for more detailed information on the opportunities we offer. Join us in making horsemanship and life skills accessible to all community members right here at Lake Fork Stables.


Thoroughbred Aftercare is an important part of our mission. Five of our lesson horses are retired racehorses, but we are a sanctuary to eight retired Thoroughbreds.

Using retired racehorses as lesson horses helps to ensure that they have second careers after racing.

It is our goal for them to be ambassadors of the breed, proving that the Thoroughbred is suitable as a lesson horse, kid horse, and family horse. Learn more about our Thoroughbred residents here.

Committed to Thoroughbred Aftercare

Before - Saved from a North Texas Kill Pen

After - Loved by a Teenage Girl

Riding Lessons in Yantis, Texas

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