Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited, Inc.
Merrillville, Indiana
Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited (EEU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Merrillville, Indiana. Its website says it provides educational and therapeutic riding instruction for people with special needs of all ages. Riders must be at least 4 years old, and there is no upper age limit.
- Therapeutic riding lessons
- Educational horseback riding instruction
- Equine-assisted activities for children and adults with disabilities
- Seasonal lesson sessions (spring, summer, fall, winter)
- Children and adults with special needs, age 4 and up
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorder and emotional impairment
- Hearing impairment and learning disabilities
- Limb loss, head trauma, spinal cord injury and neuromuscular disorders
More about this center
About the Program
EEU says its riding program aims to help riders build muscle control, posture, balance, coordination, concentration, memory, communication, self-esteem and social skills. Lessons run in seasonal sessions, which the website lists as spring (May to June), summer (July to August), fall (September to October) and winter (November to December). The posted session dates do not include a year, so confirm the current schedule with EEU.
To ride, the website says a person needs a documented diagnosis or disability with a completed physician's referral, a signed parent or guardian consent form, and a weight of 185 pounds or less.
The Horses and Staff
The leadership page lists Lisa Way as barn manager, equine manager and lead instructor, and Amanda Geary as volunteer coordinator. A board led by president Ken Mertens oversees the organization. The website introduces ten horses, including Barney, Boo and Prince, and notes that Red has retired from active lessons.
Volunteering
EEU says volunteers need no prior horse or disability experience. Roles include leading horses, side-walking beside riders, barn crew, maintenance, event planning, office help and social media. Applications are taken through the contact form on its website.
Location
EEU is located at 5699 E 73rd Ave, Merrillville, IN 46410, in Lake County in northwest Indiana.
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 a rider?
The website lists the requirements (physician's referral, consent form, minimum age 4, weight limit 185 pounds) but does not describe an application process. Call (219) 945-0726 or use the contact form on eeunwi.org to ask about openings.
How much do lessons cost?
Call (219) 945-0726 to ask about current rates. Our guide to equine therapy costs explains typical pricing.
Is there an age limit?
Riders must be at least 4 years old. The website says there is no upper age limit.
Does EEU offer hippotherapy?
The website describes therapeutic riding and educational riding instruction. It does not mention hippotherapy with a licensed physical, occupational or speech therapist.
Location
Merrillville, Indiana 46410
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.