Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy HETRA
Gretna, Nebraska
Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Gretna, Nebraska, and says it is Nebraska's only PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center. It offers adaptive riding, therapy services including hippotherapy, equine-facilitated mental health, and free events for veterans and first responders. Its stated mission is to serve adults and children of all ability levels, and it says it serves more than 150 participants each week.
- Adaptive riding (therapeutic riding)
- Hippotherapy and therapy services (OT, PT, speech, mental health)
- Equine-facilitated mental health
- Adaptive carriage driving
- Equine-assisted learning and life skills
- Miniature horse programming
- Veteran and first responder events
- Company retreats and team building
- Children and adults of all ability levels
- People with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges
- Caregivers
- Youth and young adults
- Veterans and active duty military
- First responders and their families
More about this center
About the Program
HETRA's therapeutic riding program, called adaptive riding, is a recreational program for people with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges. Lessons are taught in small groups of two to three riders by PATH Intl. Certified Instructors.
Therapy services are conducted by occupational, physical, speech or mental health therapists, and HETRA says sessions are led by PATH Intl. certified instructors and licensed therapists. HETRA says its therapists specialize in hippotherapy, using the horse's movement alongside techniques such as neurodevelopmental treatment and sensory integration, with goals such as balance, coordination, posture, fine motor control and articulation.
The equine-facilitated mental health program is led by mental health and occupational therapists. Activities such as grooming, leading and mindfulness exercises take place on and off horseback, in one-on-one sessions or in groups. Connection Groups meet monthly or quarterly for caregivers, youth, young adults, and veterans and first responders.
Veterans and First Responders
HETRA lists free events for veterans, active duty military, first responders and their families, including children 5 and older. Events include a Coffee Hour at the barn, a monthly adults-only Project Team that works on facility projects, and Equine Experience sessions with herd dynamics, leading and grooming. Reservations are required. See also equine therapy for veterans.
History
According to its website, HETRA was founded in 1989 by Steve and Janet Henthorn of Omaha, starting with one participant, one horse and three volunteers. The center also welcomes volunteers, whether or not they have horse experience.
Location
HETRA is at 10130 S. 222nd Street, Gretna, NE 68028, southwest of Omaha. Reach it at (402) 359-8830 or hetra@hetra.org.
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 get started?
Complete HETRA's participant paperwork, including a physician form signed by your primary physician. Once all paperwork is in, the registrar contacts you to schedule an evaluation. Monthly public tours are offered for prospective participants.
How much do sessions cost?
For current rates, call (402) 359-8830 or email hetra@hetra.org. HETRA says it covers about 86% of session costs for every participant. Limited scholarship funds may be available; email GSmith@HETRA.org to ask.
Do participants have to ride?
Not in every program. Mental health sessions can take place on or off horseback, and veteran and first responder events focus on groundwork such as grooming and leading.
Location
Gretna, Nebraska 68028
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.