Located in Homer Glen, Ill., Marlene Karman and Art Karman direct Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy (HRET).  HRET is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that focuses on providing a space where individuals with diverse physical, emotional, cognitive, and social abilities have a place where they can feel empowered through horseback riding, with members from the program have gone on to compete in the Special Olympics. 

During a fundraiser for the organization on Sept. 13, 2025, Marlene Karman shared how the organization how riders face many challenges from their day-to-day life, many of which they require the assistance to do mundane tasks and once the riders in the program mount a horse they gain independence. The organization held an open house where they hosted a demonstration with horseback rider Isabel Merrion. 

During Merrion’s demonstration, Marlene Karman alongside volunteers displayed the equipment used for Merrion to mount the horse as well as Merrion abilities as a rider and her connection to the horse. 
After Merrion’s showcase, Marlene Karman hosted a tour of the stable explaining what goes into running the organization and the horses inside. 

During Karman’s tour of the facility, she directs the attendees attention to a horse, which lost its sight, that is a part of the program. Karman gives the horse pets and a kiss as she explains to the audience what goes into taking care of each horse within the stable, and what materials that the organization is looking to aquire to provide for the riders and horses needs.