Business Details
34 Years
experience
Therapeutic Horseback Riding for Special Needs & Veterans in Bloomsburg, PA
Eos Therapeutic Riding Center was founded in 1992 with a mission to provide therapeutic horseback riding for individuals with special needs and veterans. Our program was established by Debbie Smith, who recognized the transformative power of equine therapy during her own recovery from a back injury. Over three decades, we've grown from six riders and two ponies to serving over 80 riders annually with a herd of twelve horses. Our indoor arena, constructed in 1997, allows year-round operations and accommodates riders with specialized needs through accessible facilities and a motorized lift system.We maintain strict professional standards through certified instructors and trained volunteers, operating as an IRS 501(c)(3) organization registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Our program integrates physical therapy goals with horsemanship skills, serving a six-county region while maintaining a waiting list of individuals seeking our services. The horses in our program, each with unique therapeutic qualities, form the foundation of our ability to create 'miracles on horseback' for our riders.
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Veterans Program
Volunteer Training
Horse Sponsorship
Fundraising Events
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience providing equine therapy since 1992
- Certified instructors through the Council for Education and Certification in Therapeutic Horsemanship
- Specialized facilities including accessible indoor arena with motorized lift system
- Proven track record serving over 80 riders annually with 12 therapy horses
- Veterans program incorporating Monty Roberts natural horsemanship methods
Associations and certifications
- IRS 501(c)(3)
- Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations
Services
Therapeutic Riding
Our core program provides weekly 45-minute riding sessions tailored to individual needs. Certified instructors and trained volunteers guide riders through activities that improve balance, coordination, and confidence. Sessions incorporate games and skill-building exercises while prioritizing safety through specialized equipment and adapted riding techniques.
Veterans Program
The Hoof Beats and Hearts for Veterans program teaches horsemanship skills to local veterans. Participants learn grooming, leading, and Monty Roberts' natural horsemanship methods. This therapeutic program fosters emotional connections between veterans and horses while promoting mental well-being through structured equine interaction.
Volunteer Program
We offer multiple volunteer opportunities including riding session assistance, facility maintenance, and event planning. No prior experience is required for most roles. Our volunteer training program prepares individuals to safely support riders while gaining personal fulfillment through service to others.
Horse Sponsorship
The Adopt-A-Horse program allows community members to sponsor therapy horses for monthly care expenses. Each sponsored horse directly impacts riders' lives through their therapeutic work. This program ensures our herd of twelve receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and farrier services year-round.
Fundraising Events
Annual fundraising initiatives include our Online Benefit Auction and Pick-Up Day events. These community-driven programs generate critical funds for horse care and program operations. Participants can bid on donated items, purchase mystery gifts, or contribute directly through our Fund-A-Need program.
People
Debbie Smith
Founder, Executive Director and Head Instructor
Debbie Smith founded Eos in 1992 after discovering therapeutic riding during her recovery from a back injury. With initial funding from local supporters, she developed the program from six riders to serving over 80 annually. She remains actively involved as head instructor.
Debby Reifendifer
Instructor
Debby Reifendifer serves as a certified instructor in our therapeutic riding program. She works with riders of all abilities to develop horsemanship skills and achieve individual therapy goals through structured riding sessions.
Sarah Wolfe
Instructor
Sarah Wolfe contributes as a certified therapeutic riding instructor. She specializes in adapting riding techniques to meet individual riders' physical and emotional needs while maintaining safety and promoting skill development.
Questions
What therapeutic riding services do you offer?
We provide weekly 45-minute therapeutic riding sessions tailored to individual needs with certified instructors and trained volunteers. Sessions focus on improving balance, coordination, and confidence through adapted riding techniques and skill-building activities.
How can veterans participate in your programs?
Our Hoof Beats and Hearts for Veterans program teaches horsemanship skills to local veterans through grooming, leading, and Monty Roberts' natural horsemanship methods. The program is open to veterans residing in the Bloomsburg area.
What volunteer opportunities are available?
We offer riding session assistance, facility maintenance, event planning, and administrative support opportunities. No prior experience is required for most roles. Volunteer training is provided to ensure safe and effective rider support.
How are riders accepted into the program?
Riders must receive physician approval and typically come through referrals from medical professionals, therapists, or existing participants. We currently serve about 80 riders with a waiting list of 15 individuals seeking program entry.
What facilities do you have available?
Our 12-acre facility includes an indoor riding arena (Kellen's Place) with accessible mounting platforms, a motorized lift system, and climate-controlled waiting areas. We also maintain an outdoor riding arena and wooded trail for select rider activities.
How can I support your organization financially?
Support options include our annual Online Benefit Auction participation, Adopt-A-Horse sponsorship program, and direct donations through our Fund-A-Need initiative. All contributions directly support horse care and rider therapy programs.
