Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley, Inc
Washington, Missouri
Exceptional Equestrians of the Missouri Valley (EEMV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Washington, Missouri. It offers therapeutic riding, a licensed therapy program using hippotherapy, a riding program for veterans and summer day camps. Its website says it serves children and adults ages 2 and up with special needs.
- Therapeutic riding (group and private lessons)
- Licensed therapy program (physical and occupational therapy using hippotherapy)
- Heroes on Horseback riding program for veterans
- Summer day camps
- Mile-long sensory trail
- Volunteer and Horse Buddy programs
- Children and adults ages 2 and up with special needs
- People with autism spectrum or attention deficit disorders
- People with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or developmental delays
- People with spinal cord or head injuries
- U.S. veterans with disabilities
- Young riders ages 6 to 15 (summer camps)
More about this center
About the Program
EEMV says it has been helping people with disabilities for more than 30 years, and its licensed therapy page says the center was founded in 1991. Its website also says it was one of the first PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Centers in 2002.
Therapeutic riding is taught in hour-long group lessons that build social skills, or half-hour private lessons for individual attention. Trained horse handlers and sidewalkers support each rider. Lessons may include balance and core work, cavalletti courses, dressage tests, relay races, trail rides and horse shows.
The licensed therapy program offers physical and occupational therapy that uses the horse as a therapy tool (hippotherapy). Participants are not usually learning riding skills. The center recommends that children ages 2 to 4 start in this program.
Veterans and Summer Camps
Heroes on Horseback offers therapeutic riding to U.S. veterans with disabilities, guided by a PATH Intl. certified instructor. The website says that at this time the program is offered at no cost to the veteran, with funding from Wounded Warrior Project, PATH Intl. and donors.
Summer day camps run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, for ages 6 to 15. Saddle Up Camp is for children with limited riding experience; Giddy Up Camp is for riders who can ride independently at the walk and trot. The website lists the camp cost as $375 per week.
The Horses and Staff
Executive Director Lindsay Mohr has been an Advanced Certified Riding Instructor since 2004. Riding instructors are certified by PATH Intl. at the registered or advanced level. The therapy team is led by Sandy Rafferty, OT, who the website says is an AHA Level 2 therapist, along with certified occupational therapy assistants.
The facility has two indoor arenas with dust-free footing (the small arena is heated), a barn with stalls for 17 horses, more than 30 acres of pasture and a mile-long sensory trail with activity stations. Volunteers ages 14 and up serve mainly as sidewalkers and horse leaders, with training before each session; no horse experience is needed.
Location
EEMV is at 785 Yellow Finch Ln., Washington, MO 63090, reached from Highway A via Finch Dr. The website asks visitors to drive very slowly on Finch Dr. and to park in the lot next to the barn.
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 we sign up?
Riders submit an annual registration with a medical release, plus a program registration form for the current session. Forms are on the center's website, and the office can help at (636) 390-2141.
Which program should a young child start in?
The center recommends that children ages 2 to 4 begin in the licensed therapy program.
What does it cost?
For current rates for riding and therapy sessions, call the office at (636) 390-2141 or email info@eemv.org. See our guide to equine therapy costs.
Location
Washington, Missouri 63090
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.