FeaturedVeterans
Equine Therapy: A Lifeline for Veterans Battling PTSD
Discover how horse interactions help veterans process trauma, build trust, and achieve emotional stability through equine assisted psychotherapy.
Maria Long8 min read
Healing Through the
Power of Horses
Equine Education Foundation provides transformative equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) for veterans battling PTSD, trauma survivors, and at-risk youth.
Watch Our Story
Our Mission
Empowering Healing Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental and physical health through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). We believe in the transformative power of horses to break down barriers, build trust, and facilitate deep healing for those struggling with trauma, PTSD, and emotional challenges.
15+
Years of Healing
Trauma Recovery
Horses naturally mirror human emotions, helping participants process trauma in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Veterans Support
Complimentary EAP programs specifically designed for veterans struggling with PTSD and combat-related trauma.
Youth Programs
Empowering at-risk youth through equine interactions that build confidence, trust, and emotional regulation.
Evidence-Based
Our approach combines proven psychotherapy techniques with the unique healing power of horse-human connection.
Veterans Program
Honoring Those Who Served Through Healing
We provide complimentary equine assisted psychotherapy for all veterans through generous donations. Our specialized program helps veterans process combat trauma, PTSD, and the unique challenges of military service through the healing connection with horses.
Complimentary care for all veterans
PTSD & trauma-focused therapy
Proven therapeutic outcomes
Supportive community environment
"The horses helped me find peace after 20 years of struggling with PTSD. This program saved my life."
— Army Veteran, 2023
Our Impact in Numbers
Every number represents a life transformed through the healing power of equine assisted psychotherapy.
0+
Sessions provided
Complimentary therapy sessions
0+
Years of Service
Healing in Shamong, NJ
0%+
PTSD Improvement
Veterans report symptom relief
0
Sessions to Results
Patients see noticeable improvements
"We have been to many barns in the past. 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 do suggest any parent who is 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!!"
Stasia JewellRecent
"Beautiful place to learn riding a horse 🐎"
Jeffrey S HagertyRecent
"5 Star Review"
Melissa CorseRecent
About Us
Leading the Way in Equine Therapy Excellence
Equine Education Foundation (EEF) has been at the forefront of equine assisted psychotherapy for over 15 years. Our mission is simple yet profound: to harness the natural healing power of horses to transform lives affected by trauma, PTSD, and emotional challenges.
What began as a vision to help veterans has grown into a comprehensive program serving individuals of all backgrounds. Our dedicated team combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of equine behavior to create truly transformative therapeutic experiences.
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Specialized in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Located in scenic Shamong
Pioneering PTSD research with innovative technology
Complimentary care for all veterans
Licensed therapists and certified equine specialists
Our Programs
Transformative Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
We offer specialized EAP programs tailored to the unique needs of veterans, youth, families, and mental health professionals seeking to expand their practice.
Veterans Program
Complimentary EAP for all who served
Our specialized program provides free equine assisted psychotherapy for veterans struggling with PTSD, combat trauma, and the transition to civilian life. Horses offer a unique therapeutic relationship that bypasses traditional barriers to healing.
- Free for all veterans
- PTSD & trauma-focused
- Individual & group sessions
- Family involvement options
Youth & At-Risk Programs
Building confidence through connection
Young people facing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges discover their inner strength through equine interactions. Horses naturally teach responsibility, empathy, and emotional regulation in ways that resonate with youth.
- Autism spectrum support
- Anxiety & depression
- Behavioral challenges
- Family therapy integration
For Therapists
Expand your therapeutic toolkit
Mental health professionals seeking to incorporate equine assisted psychotherapy into their practice can partner with EEF. We provide the facilities, horses, and equine expertise while you bring your clinical skills.
- Partnership opportunities
- Facility access
- Training resources
- Collaborative approach
The Science of Healing
Why Horses? The Science Behind Equine Therapy
Horses have an extraordinary ability to sense and respond to human emotions. This unique gift makes them powerful partners in the therapeutic process.
"Horses don't lie. They don't judge. They simply reflect what they sense, creating a mirror that helps us see ourselves more clearly."
— Maria Long, Founder
Emotional Mirrors
Horses naturally reflect human emotions, providing immediate, honest feedback that helps clients recognize and understand their feelings.
Non-Verbal Communication
Working with horses requires presence and body awareness, helping clients develop mindfulness and emotional regulation skills.
Trust Building
Earning a horse's trust requires authenticity and consistency—skills that translate directly to building healthy human relationships.
Bypassing Defenses
Horses connect without judgment, allowing clients to lower psychological barriers that often impede traditional talk therapy.
Accelerated Healing
The powerful presence of horses often accelerates the therapeutic process, leading to breakthroughs in fewer sessions.
Nervous System Regulation
The rhythmic movement and calming presence of horses helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing anxiety and hypervigilance.
Our Leadership
Meet the Team Behind EEF
Our leadership team combines clinical expertise, military understanding, and a shared passion for healing through horses.
Maria Long
Founder & Executive Director
Maria brings a unique blend of medical expertise, educational background, and deep passion for equine-assisted healing. With roots in healthcare and academia, she founded the Equine Education Foundation to bridge the gap between traditional therapy and the transformative power of horses. As a certified coach specializing in autism and PTSD, Maria has dedicated her career to helping veterans and individuals find healing through equine connection.
David Long
President & Secretary-Treasurer
David's military background and extensive experience in finance give him a profound understanding of the challenges veterans face. His service inspired a deep commitment to supporting those who have served our country. At EEF, David combines his strategic business acumen with his passion for veteran welfare, ensuring the foundation maintains the resources and organizational excellence needed to deliver life-changing equine therapy programs.
Coming Soon
Upcoming Research: Advancing Veteran Recovery Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
We're pioneering innovative research that combines holistic equine therapy methods with cutting-edge technology to create measurable, life-changing outcomes for veterans.
Nervous System Regulation
Exploring how equine interactions help veterans achieve measurable improvements in autonomic nervous system regulation.
Biometric Measurement
Pioneering the use of cutting-edge technology to measure physiological responses during equine therapy sessions.
PTSD Outcomes
Documenting and validating the therapeutic outcomes of EAP for veterans with combat-related PTSD.
Stay Updated on Our Research
Be the first to learn about our groundbreaking research findings and how they're helping veterans heal through equine assisted psychotherapy.
Our Blog
Insights on Equine Therapy & Veteran Recovery
Explore our articles on equine assisted psychotherapy, veteran mental health, donation impact, and inspiring stories of transformation.
Featured
Science
The Healing Power of Horses for Trauma Survivors
Explore the broad benefits of equine therapy: reduced anxiety, improved self-esteem, and better emotional regulation for all trauma survivors.
Maria Long7 min read
Veterans
Why Veterans Are Turning to Equine Therapy for Recovery
Understand the unique veteran-tailored aspects of EAP: leadership skills, camaraderie, and the non-clinical therapeutic environment.
David Long6 min read
Donations
Tax Advantages of Donating to Non-Profits Like Ours
Learn about tax deductions, credits, and incentives for supporting equine therapy nonprofits like Equine Education Foundation.
David Long5 min read
Youth
Equine Therapy's Role in Supporting Individuals with Autism
Discover how equine therapy helps individuals on the autism spectrum develop social skills, sensory processing, and communication abilities.
Maria Long7 min read
Stories
From Trauma to Triumph: Personal Stories from Our Equine Program
Read anonymized testimonials and transformative stories from participants who found healing through our equine assisted psychotherapy programs.
Maria Long8 min read
Support Our Mission
Help Veterans Heal Through Horses
Your generous donation makes it possible for veterans, trauma survivors, and at-risk youth to experience the transformative power of equine assisted psychotherapy—at no cost to them. Every dollar helps us continue our mission of healing through horses.
Fund Veteran Care
Your donation directly funds complimentary equine therapy for veterans struggling with PTSD.
Tax Deductible
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Maximize Impact
We ensure maximum impact by keeping administrative costs low and focusing on programs.
Help Youth
Support at-risk youth programs that build confidence and emotional resilience.
Your Impact
$50
Supplies for 1 session
$150
One veteran session
$500
Monthly horse care
Connect With Us About Giving
We'd love to speak with you personally about supporting our mission through a meaningful donation. Please provide your details below, and we'll reach out discreetly to discuss how your generosity can help veterans heal through horses.
Get In Touch
Contact Equine Education Foundation
Ready to start your healing journey? Have questions about our programs? We'd love to hear from you.