Equine Assisted Therapy of NJ
Mannington Township, New Jersey
Equine Assisted Therapy of NJ (EAT of NJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental health wellness center at 32 Swedes Bridge Road in Mannington, New Jersey. It offers equine-assisted psychotherapy for individuals, couples and families, a veterans program, and equine-assisted learning for youth, students and teams. All programs are done on the ground with the horses.
- Equine-assisted psychotherapy (individual, couples, family)
- Veterans Equine Program
- Equine-assisted learning
- Teambuilding and leadership
- Consultations
- Sessions for outside therapists and their clients
- Free 15-minute phone consultation
- Individuals
- Couples and families
- Active duty military members and military families
- Veterans
- At-risk youth
- Students
- Corporate teams
More about this center
About the Program
According to its website, EAT of NJ began with a focus on therapeutic riding and has grown into a mental health wellness center. It calls its approach "Therapy in Motion." Psychotherapy sessions are facilitated by a licensed mental health specialist and an equine specialist working together with the horses. No horse experience is needed.
Equine-assisted learning is described as primarily non-therapeutic, building skills such as communication, teamwork, emotional regulation and healthy boundaries. Activities are ground-level, such as leading, grooming, feeding and observing herd behavior, with no riding.
Veterans and Military Families
The Veterans Equine Program serves active duty members, people leaving the military, military families and veterans. It follows the Eagala model, a team approach with a licensed mental health professional, a qualified equine specialist and the horses. The site says all the work is done on the ground and the horses are never ridden.
The center works with Veteran Equine Therapy Specialists (V.E.T.S.), a program established by its veteran liaison, Matt Cahill, a medically retired combat veteran. The site says that together they are "working to provide equine assisted therapy to veterans at no cost." Learn more in our guide to equine therapy for veterans.
The Horses and Staff
Managing director Jeanne Mahoney, the founding member, lists RN, MS and LPC credentials, Eagala certification as a mental health specialist and equine specialist, and PATH Intl. certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Board president Stephanie Savoia, a USAF veteran, lists MSW and LCSW credentials, Eagala certification as a mental health specialist, and PATH Intl. ESMHL certification. The site names a herd of eight horses and says they are not trained in any special way.
Location
The farm is at 32 Swedes Bridge Road, Mannington, NJ 08079, in Salem County. All visits are by appointment only, to protect client confidentiality. The site lists accessible parking and an accessible portable toilet, though some ground is uneven, and says the indoor arena is not climate controlled.
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 get started?
Call 609-617-2765 or email equineassistedtherapyofnj@gmail.com to set up a free 15-minute phone consultation.
Does insurance cover sessions?
The center says it is a VA Community Care Provider and accepts Blue Cross/Blue Shield for psychotherapy sessions. Insurance does not cover the equine specialist or barn fees, and the center discusses costs during the free phone consultation.
Do I need horse experience?
No. The center says no horse experience is needed. Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. The center says some clients see benefits within 3 to 6 sessions, while others continue for several months or longer.
Location
Mannington Township, New Jersey 08079
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.