Equine Assisted Therapy

"Equine-Assisted Therapy, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to providing 

therapeutic horseback riding activities for individuals with disabilities within the St. Louis area.  In 

1999, Ginni Hartke embarked on a 4.5 year journey through mountains of paperwork to create 

Equine-Assisted Therapy.  Throughout the years, Ginni and her husband Gary have worked 

tirelessly alongside hundreds of volunteers to create the thriving and effective program that you 

see today.

EAT is a member of PATH International – (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship 

International). The riders are charged a small fee, but that covers less than 25 percent of operating 

cost.  Funding for this program comes from fund raisers, special events, individual and corporate 

donations, and grants.   

An integrated team of instructors and volunteers work with the rider and horse to promote the 

success, the freedom, and the dignity that can be experienced through therapeutic horsemanship."