Healing Through the
Power of Horses
Equine Education Foundation provides therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for veterans and their families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and youth in Shamong, New Jersey — co-founded in 2002.
"When words fail, horses still hear — and healing begins."
We provide this care to veterans and trauma survivors through the generosity of donors like you.
Therapeutic Riding & Equine-Assisted Activities
for Those Who Need It Most
Equine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Shamong, New Jersey, co-founded in 2002. We provide therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities for veterans and their families, individuals with developmental disabilities, and youth. Veterans in our sponsorship program receive services at no charge, made possible by donor support.
20+
Years of Service
Trauma & Recovery
Horses are highly perceptive to human emotion, offering a non-judgmental presence that many participants find easier to engage with than traditional talk-based settings.
Veterans & Families
Veterans in our sponsorship program and their family members receive services at no charge, supported entirely by donor generosity.
Youth Programs
We work with youth through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities that many participants report help build confidence, communication, and a sense of responsibility.
Developmental Disabilities
EEF works with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities to serve eligible riders through our NJ-sanctioned therapeutic riding program.
EEF at a Glance
A New Jersey–sanctioned therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities program, serving our community since 2002.
Year Founded
Serving New Jersey for 20+ years
Nonprofit Organization
Shamong, Burlington County, NJ
State-Sanctioned Program
Therapeutic riding & equine-assisted activities
Lives Changed at EEF
Hear from the families and participants who have experienced therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities at EEF.
Veterans Program
Veterans in our sponsorship program receive therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities at no charge, made possible by donor support. Many participants report meaningful changes in how they feel and connect with others.
Read More
Youth & At-Risk Programs
EEF works with youth through therapeutic riding and equine-assisted activities. Many participants and their families report meaningful gains in confidence, communication, and a sense of responsibility that extend beyond the arena.
Read More
NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities
EEF works with the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities to serve eligible riders through our NJ-sanctioned therapeutic riding program. Horses offer a unique, non-judgmental environment that many participants find engaging and motivating.
Read More"Maria Long is by far head and shoulders over all of the many, many barns we have been to. Maria is a blessing and also a great teacher. I suggest any parent looking for an equine therapist — don't even think of going anywhere else. This is the best for any special needs, or even a typical person looking for a barn!"
"Beautiful place to learn riding a horse. The environment is peaceful and the staff truly cares about every participant. My daughter has made incredible progress — not just in the arena, but in her confidence and emotional wellbeing at home and school."
Why Horses Are Used in Therapeutic Programs
Horses are highly perceptive to human emotional states and respond to body language and energy in real time. Many participants in therapeutic riding programs report that working with horses helps them practice mindfulness, build confidence, and develop communication skills in a non-judgmental setting.
Learn MoreNervous System Regulation
The rhythmic movement of horses is widely cited as calming. Many participants report that time spent with horses helps them feel more grounded and present — qualities that can support wellbeing over time.
Connection & Trust
Research suggests that positive human-animal interactions may support bonding and emotional connection. For many participants, building a relationship with a horse is a meaningful step toward rebuilding trust more broadly.
Accessible to Those Who Need It
EEF does not bill insurance. Veterans in our sponsorship program receive services at no charge. Other riders pay directly. Our goal is to keep therapeutic riding accessible to the communities we serve.
Your Gift Sustains
This Sacred Work
Donations to EEF support horse care, facility operations, and the therapeutic programs that change lives. Your generosity enables us to work toward making high-quality EAP accessible to those who need it most — including veterans, trauma survivors, and at-risk youth.