Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy all started with one participant, one horse and three volunteers. In 1989, Steve and Janet Henthorn established its mission –to improve the quality of life, both physically and emotionally, of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities.

Today, Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) serves more than 130 participants each week, with 20 active “hardworking equine partners’’ (horses), 16 PATH Intl. Certified Instructors, 10 Licensed Occupational, Physical, Speech and Mental Health Therapists and more than 150 volunteers, according to Kalynn Sortino, Development Manager.

Located in Gretna, with some programming in Valley, HETRA offers Adaptive Riding and Therapy Services, specializing in Hippotherapy, Equine Services for Veterans, Adaptive Carriage Driving, Equine-Assisted Learning, Equine-Assisted Mental Health Services and Life Skills.

Participants, ranging in age from 2 to 92, include children and adults with disabilities and mental health conditions, from cerebral palsy to spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, brain tumors, head or spinal cord injuries, visual impairment, autism, development delays, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, PTSD, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, and depression.

HETRA is accredited by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and it is the only premier-accredited center in Nebraska, “meaning that we operate above industry standards, including safety, facility, horse care and training, volunteer training and more,” Sortino explains.

In addition to a multitude of community-service honors, HETRA’s CEO, Edye Godden, is one of less than 100 Clinical Specialists in Hippotherapy in the world.

Additionally, each of the Therapeutic Riding Instructors are PATH Intl. certified, with many staff, volunteers, and horses receiving PATH Intl. awards.

While horses have been found in “various fields” – be it pleasure, production, or protection – there are many benefits to equine therapy.

“HETRA harnesses the horse-human connection through a variety of activities and planned experiences, such as riding, grooming, leading, educational activities, and a variety of horse interactions,” Sortino said.

There are physical and mental benefits, Sortino described, “The warmth and rhythmic motion of the horse provides relaxation to tense muscles as the rider shifts weight, using their muscles to stay centered with each step.

 “This provides benefits, such as increased balance, core strength, range of motion, and more. Because horses are non-vocal prey animals, they are extremely sensitive to human behavior. These qualities allow them to serve as a powerful partner in allowing for insight to a person’s self-awareness. They are large, gentle creatures and offer opportunities for individuals to grow in self-confidence, self-esteem, mindfulness, and more through interaction.”

You measure a horse’s height in hands, but one could say you can measure an organization’s success in its helping hands.

Sortino highlights the various responsibilities their volunteer team of over 200 has taken on a “variety of tasks on campus, such as grooming, tacking, horse handling, barn maintenance, feeding, conditioning horses, and more.” Sortino says they are always looking for and welcoming new volunteers as well to keep these horses healthy and in hay. Volunteers need no prior training: “We will teach you everything you need to know. HETRA is a wonderful place to learn more about horses and create close bonds with a tight-knit community.”

HETRA offers online educational materials, onsite outreach programs, and partnerships with various schools, nonprofits, and organizations, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, and institutes of higher learning to further their programs. They are primarily funded through grants from local organizations, donations from individuals throughout the community, as well as fundraising and special events.

They have partnered with Creighton University to execute a research project funded by the National Institutes of Health to study “the effect of the movement of the horse on children with autism spectrum disorder. We have finished the trial period of this study and are currently analyzing results. We look forward to applying for publication once the study has concluded,” she said.

They also provide fieldwork and volunteer opportunities to undergraduate and graduate-level students.

Sortino believes, “These partnerships help HETRA to stay at the forefront of new research in the field, continue to bring new perspectives and resources to our organization, and develop relationships with students interested in pursuing a career in equine-assisted services.”

Howver, to say nothing of their actual workhorses should be “un-herd” of…

The HETRA herd “come[s] from all walks of life; from retired show horses and dressage horses to trail-riding horses. Each has its own background and specialty prior to coming to our barn,” Sortino adds.

Yet even the horses get schooled with an extensive conditioning and training program “that could take anywhere from 90 days up to 6 months to complete, based on their background and individual needs.” 

HETRA is always seeking more horses – who are a correct fit – to join the herd. Sortino says this includes larger draft-cross horses, large ponies, and small horses. They have a Horse Sponsorship fund that people can donate towards to help add to their herd.

Meeting community need is integral at HETRA. No one is ever turned away due to inability to pay. “Our need for financial assistance to our families has increased by 62% since last year. We serve participants of all socioeconomic statuses thanks to the support of our community. Through collaborations with organizations, such as Rejuvenating Women, Omaha Street School, schools in Fremont and North Omaha, Quality Living, Inc., Omaha, and Lincoln VA Hospitals and more, we are now able to meet mental and physical health needs of a variety of underserved populations,” she said. Community members like you can also donate to funding for Participant Scholarships.

Sortino says they are looking to expand their facilities as they are now providing more services than ever due to rising health needs of Nebraska and Iowa residents.

To learn more about HETRA and their volunteer and donation opportunities, you can visit their website here: https://hetra.org.