About HETRA

Our Beginnings

Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy was started in 1989 by Steve and Janet Henthorn of Omaha, Nebraska.

The program started with one participant, one horse, and three volunteers.  Our mission is to improve the quality of life both physically and emotionally of adults and children of all ability levels through equine-assisted activities. HETRA is a non-profit 501c3 organization and is currently the only PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Nebraska!

HETRA serves a variety of participants including children and adults with disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina-bifida, muscular dystrophy, cystic fibrosis, brain tumors, head or spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, autism, developmental delays, and strokes. 

For the last several years, HETRA volunteers have donated over 26,000 volunteer hours per year.  Without our dedicated volunteers, we could not provide services to over 150 participants each week.  Individuals of all ability levels have a job that is instrumental in making a session run smoothly.

HETRA looks back on a history of growth and achieving many amazing goals.  We look forward to our future with great hope and excitement for what is to come.