Business Details
37 Years
experience
Transforming Lives Through Equine-Assisted Therapy
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) has dedicated over 35 years to transforming lives through equine-assisted activities. Established in 1989, we are Nebraska's only PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Center, setting the gold standard in therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services. Our team of certified instructors and licensed therapists delivers personalized programs for individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges, including autism, cerebral palsy, PTSD, and developmental delays. We combine the therapeutic power of horses with evidence-based practices to improve balance, confidence, and emotional resilience.Our 26,000+ annual volunteer hours and 150+ weekly participants demonstrate our community impact. We uphold core values of safety, integrity, affordability, and excellence while pioneering innovative equine-assisted solutions. With a vision for universal accessibility to therapeutic services, we serve as a beacon of hope and transformation for participants and families across the region.
Services
Adaptive Riding
Therapy Services
Adaptive Carriage Driving
Equine Assisted Learning
Life Skills Program
Veteran Services
Public Riding Lessons
Equine Facilitated Mental Health
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 35+ years of specialized experience in equine-assisted therapy
- Nebraska's only PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Center
- Multidisciplinary team of certified instructors and licensed therapists
- 26,000+ annual volunteer hours supporting personalized care
- Innovative programs addressing physical, emotional, and cognitive needs
Associations and certifications
- PATH, Intl.
What people say
Life-changing therapy
Dedicated staff
Visible progress
Supportive community
Emotional growth
Services
Adaptive Riding
Our Adaptive Riding program uses horseback riding to improve physical and emotional well-being for individuals with special needs. Specially trained instructors guide participants through exercises that enhance balance, coordination, and confidence. This evidence-based therapy benefits individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy, autism, and developmental delays while fostering emotional connections with therapy horses.
Therapy Services
Led by licensed occupational, physical, and speech therapists, our Therapy Services utilize horse movement to achieve clinical treatment goals. Sessions focus on improving motor skills, speech development, and sensory processing through structured activities. This specialized therapy benefits children and adults with neurological conditions, injuries, or developmental disorders in a natural, motivating environment.
Equine Facilitated Mental Health
Our mental health program pairs licensed therapists with horses to address emotional and psychological challenges. Participants engage in ground-based activities that promote emotional regulation, trauma recovery, and personal growth. This innovative approach benefits individuals with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges through non-verbal communication and trust-building exercises.
Adaptive Carriage Driving
This unique program offers horse interaction for individuals who cannot ride. Participants learn to drive horse-drawn carriages, developing control, coordination, and confidence. The activity provides similar therapeutic benefits to riding while accommodating mobility limitations, making equine therapy accessible to diverse participants.
Veteran Services
Designed for military veterans and first responders, this program addresses PTSD and service-related trauma through equine interactions. Participants build trust and emotional resilience through ground activities and riding. The program offers free access to therapeutic sessions that promote mental wellness and reintegration into civilian life.
People
Edye Godden
Chief Executive Officer
With over 30 years in equine therapy, Edye leads HETRA as CEO and chief therapist. She holds multiple PATH certifications and specializes in hippotherapy. Her clinical expertise and visionary leadership have expanded HETRA's impact since its founding.
Shelby Schult
Program Director
As PATH-certified instructor and program director, Shelby oversees service delivery and staff training. She develops innovative programs that combine equine activities with therapeutic goals, ensuring high standards across all HETRA initiatives.
Cassidy Fredrickson
Lead Instructor
Occupational therapist and PATH-certified instructor Cassidy specializes in miniature horse programs. She designs adaptive activities that improve motor skills and confidence for participants with diverse needs through small equine partners.
Brittany Frederick
Therapist
As occupational therapist and program coordinator, Brittany delivers specialized therapy services for veterans and first responders. She integrates equine-assisted techniques to address trauma recovery and physical rehabilitation needs.
Diane Bemis
Therapist
Occupational therapist Diane combines riding instruction with therapeutic interventions. She focuses on life skills development, helping participants build practical abilities through structured equine activities that promote independence.
Questions
What equine therapy programs does HETRA offer?
HETRA provides adaptive riding, hippotherapy, carriage driving, equine-facilitated mental health, veteran services, life skills, and equine-assisted learning programs tailored to individual needs.
Who can participate in HETRA's services?
We serve individuals of all ages with physical, emotional, cognitive, or developmental challenges, including veterans and first responders with service-related trauma.
Are HETRA's instructors certified?
All programs are led by PATH-certified instructors and licensed therapists with specialized training in equine-assisted interventions.
How do equine therapy sessions work?
Sessions combine horse interactions with therapeutic goals through structured activities. Therapists and instructors customize exercises to improve physical abilities, emotional regulation, or cognitive skills.
Does HETRA accept insurance?
Therapy services may be covered by private insurance or Medicaid. Contact our office for specific billing questions and financial assistance options.
How can I volunteer at HETRA?
Volunteers aged 12+ can join as sidewalkers, horse leaders, or barn assistants. Complete our training program to start making a difference in participants' lives.
Reviews (5)
Heather Hascall
Aug 29, 2021
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Ezcellent staff. Very clean stables. Beautiful property. All therapists are very professional and helpful.
Michael Alexander
Jul 21, 2021
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Amazing staff and volunteers! They adapted their program on the fly to ensure our autistic child had the best possible experience. One of our best ever experiences as a parent of a child with special needs.
Paul Michel
Jun 23, 2021
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Amazing facility! We just started bringing our daughter there and Im super excited to keep going!
Sara Ellis
Jul 25, 2020
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HETRA is such a great alternative to your typical therapy facility! The progress my son has made in the past 6 months has been incredible. The staff and volunteers are so kind and you can tell each and every one of them truly loves their job.
Marissa Mclaughlin
Jan 11, 2019
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Lady is awesome Im glad she is here at hetra I love her so much Thank you Lady for all you do for all the riders . Im happy to be apart of the Lady team!
