Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska
Anchorage, Alaska
Please note: Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska is not offering riding sessions at this time. Contact EATA to ask when sessions will resume. Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska (EATA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and PATH Intl. Center Member in Anchorage. Its mission is to enhance the physical, psychological and social well-being of Alaskans with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship.
- Therapeutic riding lessons (1 to 3 riders)
- Hippotherapy with a licensed therapist
- Unmounted equine-assisted activities such as grooming and stable care
- Equidome arena rental
- Children and adults with disabilities
- Cerebral palsy and spina bifida
- Autism and ADHD
- Down syndrome
- Multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders
- Traumatic brain injury
- Post-traumatic stress
- Learning, language and cognitive disabilities
More about this center
About the Program
Therapeutic riding lessons run one hour with one to three riders, grouped by similar ability, age or therapy goals. The aim is to build riding skills and, over time, independent riding. Mounted work is led by a PATH certified riding instructor with a team of volunteers.
Hippotherapy sessions are one-on-one with a licensed occupational, physical or speech-language therapist, supervised by a PATH certified riding instructor. EATA also offers unmounted activities such as grooming and stable management. Conditions EATA works with include cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, fetal alcohol syndrome, functional spinal curvature and post-traumatic stress.
Current Status
EATA cancelled its 2024 summer riding season when program director Janie Call retired along with three of the program's four horses. The board said it lacked the funds and time to hire a new director and buy horses before the season. In May 2026, EATA said it had not been able to find a certified program director in time to open for the 2026 season. The organization is still in place, still rents out its Equidome arena, and hopes to offer equine assisted therapy again. Families should call or email for the latest news.
History and Volunteering
EATA was formerly known as The Rainbow Connection Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center and received its 501(c)(3) status in 2002. Volunteers have given more than 4,000 hours of service, and the program has relied on volunteers to support each mounted lesson.
Location
EATA's arena is at 3900 Abbott Road in Anchorage, between Elmore Road and Lake Otis Parkway, inside Ruth Arcand Park at the William Clark Chamberlin Equestrian Center. Mail goes to PO Box 240663, Anchorage, AK 99524-0663.
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.
Is EATA offering riding sessions right now?
Riding sessions have been on hold since the 2024 summer season was cancelled. Call 1-907-566-TROT (8768) or email ride@equineassistedtherapyalaska.org to ask whether sessions have resumed.
Who leads hippotherapy sessions?
A licensed occupational, physical or speech-language therapist leads each one-on-one session, with a PATH certified riding instructor supervising.
How much do sessions cost?
Contact EATA at 1-907-566-TROT (8768) or ride@equineassistedtherapyalaska.org to ask about current rates. See our guide to equine therapy costs for typical ranges.
Location
Anchorage, Alaska 99507
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.