Our Mission
At Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA), we believe in the transformative power of horses. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, our mission is simple yet profound: to improve the quality of life, both physically and emotionally, of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities.
Who We Serve
We proudly provide equine-assisted services to individuals with a variety of challenges, including cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, brain injuries, developmental delays, PTSD, and more. Our programs help participants improve balance, confidence, strength, and emotional resilience through therapeutic riding, carriage driving, and equine-assisted learning sessions.
Our Impact
In 2024, HETRA served 1,918 individuals, an increase from 1,752 in 2023. Participants ranged from ages 2 to 100 and represented a variety of diagnoses. Supported by 488 volunteers who gave over 25,000 hours, our core programs helped people reach life-changing milestones: standing without assistance, walking independently, and speaking for the first time. These victories ripple through families, caregivers, and the community, fostering confidence, independence, and connection.
Learn more at www.HETRA.org.
