Equine-Assisted Therapy
Wildwood, Missouri
Equine-Assisted Therapy, Inc. (EAT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the St. Louis area offering riding and non-riding activities with horses. Its main farm and office are in Wildwood, Missouri, with a second seasonal site at Longview Farm Park in Town & Country. The center says it serves people facing emotional, physical and mental challenges.
- Equine-Assisted Activities (therapeutic riding)
- Equine-Assisted Learning (non-riding groundwork)
- Silver Saddles riding program for ages 55+
- Boots in the Barn for veterans and first responders
- Individual and group sessions in the non-riding programs
- People with emotional, physical or mental challenges
- Children and adults dealing with traumatic events
- Adults 55 and older
- Veterans
- First responders
- Children in foster care
More about this center
About the Program
Founder Ginni Hartke welcomed the first rider in April 2004, according to the center's website. EAT says it serves more than 150 clients each week, supported by a large volunteer team, 16 certified instructors and a herd of therapy horses. The center says all its instructors are certified through EAGALA, SpiritHorse or PATH Intl. (as CTRIs), and that it follows standards set by certifying organizations including PATH International.
The Equine-Assisted Activities program is a therapeutic riding class that mixes horsemanship skills with gross and fine motor activities to build balance, coordination, flexibility and strength. Equine-Assisted Learning is a non-riding program for children and adults using natural horsemanship groundwork to build confidence, boundaries, social skills and the ability to read body language. Silver Saddles teaches riding basics to new and experienced riders 55 and older. Boots in the Barn is a non-riding program where veterans and first responders can work with the horses or volunteer (equine therapy for veterans).
Getting Started
To join the waitlist, submit the Participant Application along with a physician-signed form by mail, email, fax or drop-off at the Wildwood office. New riders are matched by age, ability, goals, a suitable horse and open times, so the wait can vary. Once enrolled, a rider keeps their spot for as long as they want to continue.
Classes run in six-week sessions with a week off between sessions. Riding classes are 30 minutes. Riders must wear an ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet (the center lends one until you buy your own; bike helmets are not allowed) and closed-toe shoes. The Wildwood site runs year-round, and the Town & Country site runs May through September. The center is closed Sundays and major holidays.
Volunteering
No horse experience is needed. Volunteers start as sidewalkers and, after one six-week session, can train as horse leaders or tack captains. The center asks for at least one hour per week and one hands-on training each year.
Location
The main office and primary facility is at 3369 Highway 109, Wildwood, MO 63038. A second site operates May through September at Longview Farm Park, 13525 Clayton Rd, Town & Country, MO 63141.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Oct 2026 Suggest an edit
Common Questions
Answered from the center’s own website and public records.
How much do sessions cost?
The website lists riding classes (Equine-Assisted Activities and Silver Saddles) at $60 per class or $360 per six-week session, and Equine-Assisted Learning at $75 per 45-minute class or $450 per six-week session. Scholarships are available, and families who need help with the cost can contact the center to apply. Call 314-971-0605 or email info@eatherapy.org to confirm current rates.
Are there free programs?
The center says veterans, first responders and children in foster care attend at no cost.
What happens in bad weather?
Classes are canceled when the feels-like temperature is 95 degrees or higher, 15 degrees or lower, or during a heat or winter weather advisory. Notices go out by text or email, and decisions for evening classes are made by 2pm.
Location
Wildwood, Missouri 63038
Questions to Ask When You Call
The center is the best source for these answers.
- Are you running now, and taking new riders?Start here. We couldn’t confirm a current schedule.
- Which ages and needs do you work with?Ask about experience with your rider’s specific condition.
- Is a licensed PT, OT or speech therapist involved?Therapist-led hippotherapy is usually the only kind insurance may cover.
- What does a session cost, and are there scholarships?Many nonprofit programs offer sliding scales or sponsored spots.
- Do you have a mounting ramp or lift?Important for riders who use a wheelchair or need help mounting.