by RC Miller, reporter
Out in the windswept hills of Sarpy County, resides a calming oasis for those tackling mental and/or physical disabilities. The Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) utilizes horses to heal and grow its students.
Many people may think only of dogs as therapy animals due to their affectionate nature but horses can provide that and much more explains Katherine Smith, the program manager for HETRA.
Smith said, “The movement of the horse is very similar to human ambulation, so that the side to side forward and backward rotational motion that we feel when we walk, the rider will feel when the horse walks.”
During normal operations, HETRA usually helps upwards of 140 participants of all ages each week with disabilities that range from autism to PTSD, said Smith. The numerous success stories prove its abilities.
“We had a little boy one time throw a ball and catch it, and his mom was in tears she said, ‘We have been trying to get him to do that for months’ and finally he did it up on a horse,” said Smith.
According to the CDC, around 22 percent of adults in Nebraska struggle with some form of disability. While the pandemic has hindered HETRAS’ ability to help a part of that population, the need for therapy and psychological services continues to grow.
To support that demand, an army of volunteers like Kyle Black, a former special ed teacher, is required to keep everything on track.
“I enjoy working with the horses. I have a horse here who is used as a therapy horse and it’s just a good fit for me,” said Black.
Through their efforts, Sarpy County will continue to be a place of hope for those with disabilities.
