HEARTLAND EQUINE THERAPEUTIC RIDING ACADEMY INC

The Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy was started in 1989 by Steve and Janet Henthorn of Omaha, Nebraska. Our mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children with disabilities through equine-assisted activities. The program began with one student, one horse, and three volunteers and has grown to 25 therapy horses, 20 PATH Intl certified instructors, as well as Occupational, Physical and Mental Health Therapists, approximately 200 volunteers, and an average of 140 students each week.

HETRA is Nebraska’s only Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Premier Accredited Center (PAC). Premier status is granted to centers that have demonstrated excellence in providing quality equine-assisted activities and have met established industry standards in areas of safety, facility, programming, and policies. Four of HETRA’s instructors have been recognized nationally by PATH Intl for their dedication and leadership in the field.

HETRA has served participants and volunteers from nineteen different counties in Nebraska and Iowa. Participants range in age from two to adult from various socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds with a variety of physical and developmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, autism, down syndrome, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and developmental delays. HETRA is also proud to serve our veterans through our Equine Services for Veterans program.