Following the 2024 PNHS, the PNHS Foundation awarded grant funding to 41 therapeutic riding centers, equine rescues and other equine-assisted services programs. Now, in the lead-up to the 2025 PNHS, we are shining the spotlight on many of these recipient organizations!

Eos Therapeutic Riding is a 501(c)(3) registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations and specializing in providing equine-assisted services to veterans and children and adults with special abilities. Eos (pronounced EE-ose) is a shortened form of the word Eohippus, the first horse of evolution.

Tell us more about Eos Therapeutic Riding Center’s mission and how you serve the community.

“Eos Therapeutic Riding Center strives to positively impact the life skills and quality of life of children and adults with special abilities and veterans, through individualized therapeutic horseback riding activities conducted in a safe and supportive environment. 

“Eos Therapeutic Riding Center has been a bright spot in the Central Pennsylvania community for the past 33 years. Eos was established in 1992, to provide therapeutic riding activities for mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged children and adults. Therapeutic horseback riding can provide tremendous satisfaction and a much-needed sense of freedom for people who are living with these challenges. 

“In 2016, Eos added a new program, Hoof Beats and Hearts for Veterans, which has improved the quality of life for many who bravely served our country. Today, Eos serves homeless veterans who work with volunteer veterans from our community to assist with the riding sessions. 

“Area high school and college students, 4-H members, Girl & Boy Scout troops, church youth groups and senior citizens serve as volunteers in support of Eos. Pa Job Corps has started their first-year volunteering in various capacities.”

What are some of the biggest challenges your organization currently faces?

“Our biggest challenge is finding new therapy horses. Our therapy horses are the most valued asset to our program. Over 33 years, Eos has owned over 40 horses to provide our lessons. Last year with the Penn National donation we were able to purchase a new therapy horse that cost $10,000.00. In today’s world it is so hard to find sound, good horses. We currently have four aging horses that have served us for over 15 years, and that we will be retiring. Our horses never leave our farm after their service. 

“Jimmy is a Quarter Horse/Draft cross gelding who was a driving & riding horse at an Amish farm in Ohio. His job was to be used for lessons and driving a hay wagon full of people for a tour of the neighboring historic town. He was among 40 horses that had a very hard life. Jimmy was 10 years old at the time. We tried him out and purchased him for $2800.00 in 2009. When I walked him out of the barn, he trotted right into my trailer for the trip home to Pa. I tell everyone, Jimmy was a Gift from God. He knew he had come to a better life.”

Can you share a success story from your program?

“Emma is a happy, cheerful, caring and content twelve-year-old. Emma was born a month prematurely and spent the first nine weeks of her life in the hospital. When she was 3 months old, after genetic tests, it was determined she had a rare genetic disorder called CHARGE. Among other things, this affects her hearing, vision, and heart. 

“When Emma was 2 years old, while she was having physical and occupational therapy, we felt there was more that we could find for her. While in high school, I volunteered at Eos and immediately thought about getting her into that program. 

“Her first ride came in August 2009, right before her 3rd birthday. With apprehension to put your child on a horse and allow the instructor and volunteers to have Emma, she fell in love with it. The smile on Emma’s face when Beau Pony started to walk was something I will never forget. 

“Now, many years later, she still looks forward to her riding day. She knows the day of the week, the time she rides, and will let us know if we arrive late. She loves riding along with her two riding buddies, Deanna and Melody. They all enjoy interacting with games and conversations. 

Emma is supported by many extended families, which not only includes her parents and sister, but grandparents, great-grandparents, and her beloved uncle. We as a family have learned a lot about Eos. Words cannot express how much it means to our family. Seeing Emma Walk, talk, mature, make friends and feel like she is no different than any other child because of her involvement with Eos makes this place more important to not just Emma but our WHOLE family. We are proud to be a part of the Eos family.”

-Family of Emma S. 

What future goals do you have for your program and how can additional support help?

“Our future goals are training young ladies to become certified riding instructors and care for our horses for the future. This also required more funding to be able to afford to pay wages, insurance, and training. Currently our budget is $325,000. We fundraise, write for grants, receive donations but the most important thing I’m proud of is: No one will ever be turned away for inability to pay for riding. We have a Buy A Ride Scholarship program to fund people who can’t contribute to their riding session cost or ask for a reduced fee.”

Is there anything else you’d like donors/grant supporters to know about the impact of their support?

“Eos Therapeutic Riding Center appreciates your generous support of our program and horses to be able to provide ‘Miracles on Horseback!’”