HERO – Hendrick Equine Rehab Opportunities
Abilene, Texas
Hendrick Home for Children is a residential care and family support organization located in Abilene, Texas. As part of its comprehensive services for children and families, the organization offers an Equine Therapy Program utilizing the EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) model of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. This specialized program helps children, youth, and families explore emotional challenges, develop healthy coping skills, and build stronger relationships through meaningful interactions with horses.
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy
- EAGALA-certified equine therapy sessions
- Ground-based equine-assisted activities
- Individual therapeutic interventions
- Emotional wellness support
- Trauma-informed therapeutic experiences
- Family-focused equine therapy services
- Self-esteem and confidence-building activities
- Communication skills development
- Problem-solving and decision-making exercises
- Relationship-building opportunities
- Mental health support through horse-human interaction
- Equine therapy integrated into residential care programs
- School-aged children
- Teens
- Single-parent families
- Children experiencing emotional challenges
- Youth facing behavioral difficulties
- Families working toward stability and independence
- Individuals seeking experiential therapy
- Participants working through trauma or life transitions
- Children in residential care settings
- Individuals seeking personal growth and self-discovery
- Families interested in equine-assisted mental health support
More about this center
The equine therapy program is integrated into Hendrick Home’s Basic Care and Family Care programs, providing participants with opportunities for healing, growth, and self-discovery in a supportive environment. Horses serve as powerful partners in the therapeutic process, helping clients gain insight, improve communication, and develop emotional resilience through experiential learning activities.
About This Program
Hendrick Home for Children utilizes the EAGALA model, a groundwork-based approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy. Sessions are facilitated by a licensed, EAGALA-certified mental health professional working alongside an EAGALA-certified Equine Specialist. Rather than focusing on horseback riding, participants engage in activities with horses on the ground, allowing them to explore emotions, relationships, challenges, and solutions in a safe and supportive setting.
The program is designed to help participants gain self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and develop healthier interpersonal relationships. Horses provide honest, non-judgmental feedback, creating opportunities for meaningful personal growth and insight.
Facility and Setting
The Equine Therapy Program operates as part of Hendrick Home for Children’s campus in Abilene, Texas. The organization provides a safe, nurturing, and Christian-centered environment where children and families can receive emotional, educational, and therapeutic support. Equine therapy sessions take place in a structured setting that encourages reflection, learning, and personal development through interaction with horses.
The campus environment is designed to support long-term growth and healing while helping participants build life skills, emotional resilience, and stronger family relationships.
What Makes Them Unique
Hendrick Home for Children stands out for integrating equine-assisted psychotherapy into a broader continuum of residential and family care services. By combining professional mental health support with the EAGALA model, the program offers participants unique opportunities to address challenges through experiential learning rather than traditional talk therapy alone.
Another distinguishing feature is the organization’s holistic approach to supporting children and families. In addition to housing, counseling, educational support, and life-skills development, equine therapy serves as an important tool for promoting emotional healing, personal growth, and family stability.
From public records, not yet reviewed by the center · Last updated Jun 2026 Suggest an edit
Location
Abilene, Texas 79602
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.