Our Mission
To improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities.
Our Vision
Provide life changing, holistic, therapeutic opportunities to our participants.
Our Values
- Provide a safe environment for our clients, volunteers, staff and horses.
- Improve the quality of life for our participants, volunteers and horses.
- Maintain the highest level of integrity of our staff and volunteers.
- Financially capable of offering scholarships to all those in need, while keeping sessions affordable for all.
- Maintain adequate support staff, paid and volunteer.
- Knowledge, fortitude and knowledge transfer processes to create and perform national best practice.
- Participate at a national level to further the advancement of the field of Equine-Assisted Services
Our History
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy was started in 1989 by Steve and Janet Henthorn of Omaha, Nebraska. The program started with one participant, one horse, and three volunteers. Our mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. We have grown significantly over the years, we now have 28 wonderful therapy horses, 16 PATH, Intl. certified instructors, 10 licensed occupational, physical, and mental health therapists, and over 150 participants. We also offer services in Adaptive Riding (formerly known as Therapeutic Riding), Therapy Services – specializing in Hippotherapy, Equine Services for Veterans & First Responders, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Equine-Assisted Learning, Equine-Assisted Mental Health Sessions, and Life Skills Training. HETRA is a non-profit 501c3 organization and is currently the only PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited center in Nebraska!
HETRA serves a variety of participants including children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, brain tumors, head or spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, autism, developmental delays, and strokes.
For the last several years, HETRA volunteers have donated over 26,000 volunteer hours per year. Without our dedicated volunteers, we could not provide services to over 150 participants each week. HETRA’s sidewalkers find their job very rewarding in many ways. Not only are they able to work hands-on with the HETRA participants, but they also receive a physical workout walking in the arena footing during the therapy sessions. Sessions depend on the volunteers in the arena, but the volunteers who are working outside the arena play a great role also. Instructors rely on individuals to groom and tack the horses, care for the barn, stalls, tack, and toys. Individuals of all ability levels have a job that is instrumental to making a session run smoothly.
HETRA looks back on a history of growth and achieving many amazing goals. We look forward to our future with great hope and excitement for what is to come.
