Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy
Reno, Nevada
Nevada Equine Assisted Therapy (NEAT) uses work with horses to support mental, behavioral and social health for people in Northern Nevada. It is based in Washoe County, about 20 minutes south of Reno. NEAT serves children as young as four, teens, adults and families, with sessions led by Qualified Mental Health Associates (QMHAs).
- Individual equine-assisted sessions (about one hour, usually weekly)
- Sibling, family, couple and small group sessions
- Psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) with horses
- Ground work and mounted work
- Team-building workshops for families and professional groups
- Children from age four
- Teens
- Adults, including first responders, caregivers and empty nesters
- Families and couples
- Foster youth
- People dealing with anxiety, depression, ADHD or trauma
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, Bambi Spahr and Laurie Roberts founded NEAT in 2009 after seeing a shortage of social, emotional, behavioral and mental health services in Northern Nevada. Sessions focus on life skills rather than riding technique. Work starts on the ground, and mounted work usually begins around the fourth session, when the client and team are ready.
Each client works one-on-one with the same horse and the same QMHA each week. Younger children groom, lead and ride their horse through obstacle courses, while teen sessions in the arena or on the trail focus on trust, communication, leadership and anger management. NEAT also describes its work as psychosocial rehabilitation, building social skills and coping skills such as stress management and emotional regulation.
The Horses and Staff
The team page names Marci Hinchey, a Nevada licensed marriage and family therapist and licensed alcohol and drug counselor, as clinical director. Co-founders Laurie Roberts and Bambi Spahr, along with Mackenzie Gansnann and Beth Williams, are QMHAs. The herd of eight horses includes Hannah, Kody, Ruby, Sammy and Windy.
Getting Started
To start, email neatinfo@yahoo.com for information and registration paperwork. NEAT also offers a tour where staff show you around, introduce the herd and talk about how they might help. Clients come through self-referral or from parents, guardians, teachers, clinicians and community agencies. The program runs year-round, Tuesday through Saturday.
NEAT accepts private-pay clients and is contracted with fee-for-service Medicaid. Medicaid clients also see a therapist, since the sessions are meant to add to talk therapy. Scholarships are available through the For Kids Foundation, and families who need help with the cost can apply. Email NEAT for current rates, and see our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
NEAT is in Washoe County, Nevada. Its website places the facility about 20 minutes south of Reno and about 15 minutes north of Carson City, with a large outdoor arena and a covered arena for year-round sessions. Email neatinfo@yahoo.com to arrange a visit.
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 do I enroll at NEAT?
Email neatinfo@yahoo.com to request information and registration paperwork. NEAT also offers a tour before starting.
What ages does NEAT work with?
NEAT works with children as young as four, teens and adults, as well as families and small groups.
Does NEAT take Medicaid?
Yes. NEAT says it is contracted with fee-for-service Medicaid, and Medicaid clients also see a therapist. Private pay is accepted, and scholarships are available through the For Kids Foundation.
When are sessions held?
NEAT sees clients year-round, Tuesday through Saturday. Most sessions last about an hour, once a week.
Location
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.