Trinity Equestrian Center

About the Program

Trinity's equine-assisted psychotherapy is aimed at people dealing with PTSD, anxiety, stress, anger, depression or grief. Most of this work happens on the ground, close to the horses. The therapy team includes Licensed Professional Counselors, several of whom also hold PATH Intl. or EAGALA credentials.

Adaptive riding is for people with physical challenges, mental health needs or both. Sessions run 50 minutes and are offered individually or in small groups. They are led by PATH Certified Adaptive Riding Instructors with trained volunteers, and a lift system helps riders, including wheelchair users, get onto the horse. Transportation is not provided.

Reminiscing on the Ranch is a 4-week fall program for adults living with dementia and their care partners, built around horses, farm animals, music and time with others in similar situations. Trinity also offers psychotherapy without horses, guided by a Licensed Professional Counselor and held outdoors when possible.

Youth Counseling and Workshops

Youth Counseling is for young people ages 5 to 25 with a mental health diagnosis or disability. Each participant is matched one-on-one with a Youth Counselor for weekly sessions on site and in the community, working on skills such as self-confidence, social skills and emotional regulation. The program does not directly involve horses, though horse encounters can be arranged.

Workshops are aimed at kids ages 7 to 17 with a mental health diagnosis, a trauma history or a need for help with peer relationships. Options include afterschool and summer groups, with transportation and meals provided, and equine workshops led by an equine specialist. The center lists contracts with CCS, CLTS, IRIS and county human services, and families without a caseworker or funding can ask about private pay rates or scholarships.

Veterans and First Responders

The center says it serves veterans for free, with programs that combine horses, nature and connection. Trinity has also hosted the Strength in Service Summit in Eau Claire. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.

The Horses and Staff

The Horses page lists 16 horses, each described as carefully selected and trained to work with people of all backgrounds and abilities. Trinity was founded by Bill and Toni Mattson and Jan Behm, and Ian Mattson is president and executive director.

Location

Trinity Equestrian Center is at S5300 WI-37, Eau Claire, WI 54701, on a 67-acre ranch just south of the city. It serves 16 counties in western Wisconsin.