About Us

Our Story: Combining Our Love for Horses and Dedication to Autism Awareness and Advocacy to Create a Better Future for All

Established in 2005

Johnny Taboada, founder of Horses for Autism, has always had a love for horse racing since his childhood in Lima, Peru. After his second son, Renzo, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2, he dedicated himself to raising awareness about the condition. In 2005, Taboada established a racing partnership at Bay Meadows, and since then, he has utilized his passion for horse racing to become a strong advocate for the autism community. Today, he continues to use his position in the industry to make a positive impact in the lives of those affected by autism.

Mission for Horses for Autism

Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where individuals and families affected by autism and special needs can connect with horses and experience the therapeutic benefits they offer. We strive to promote awareness and understanding of autism, and hope to expand our services in the future through growth and fundraising efforts.

Daehling Ranch

Daehling Ranch, located in Elk Grove, CA, is the home to the Horses for Autism broodmares and the foals. The farm not only serves as a breeding ground for future racehorses, but also as a potential setting for inclusive activities and services for those on the autism spectrum. With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscape, the farm aims to provide a unique experience for individuals and families affected by autism.

Goals for Horses for Autism

Our mission is to use horses as a tool to provide therapy and support for individuals with autism, as well as to promote autism awareness in the horse racing industry and beyond. Additionally, our racing stable has made it our goal to name every unraced horse prior to their racing career with the word "autism" in order to raise awareness and advocate for the autism community. With partnerships like the George Noyes Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, we are able to receive donations and continue to expand our efforts towards these goals.

The 'Horses' for Autism

Horses for Autism is proud to have all of its horses run under the ownership of Taboada Racing Stables LLC. These horses, representing Horses for Autism, are adorned in special autism colors for their blankets and blinkers, with the jockey silks also featuring a representation of autism awareness. Touched by Autism, a former racehorse within Taboada Racing Stables, is now a stallion standing in California. Touched plays an important role in producing more racehorses for the future of the stable. Horses for Autism is honored to have such an exceptional group of horses that represent the organization's mission of meaningful inclusion and support for the autism community.

George Noyes Foundation

The George Noyes Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports Horses for Autism by collecting donations from the community as a partner organization under the Foundation. Their mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by autism by funding research, advocacy, and support programs. Through their partnership with Horses for Autism, they aim to promote autism awareness and inclusion by providing financial assistance to the organization's initiatives. The George Noyes Foundation believes that every individual deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and they are committed to supporting the autism community in achieving this goal.