HARTH Foundation
Burnet, Texas
It is no longer taking riders. See active centers nearby.
HARTH Foundation appears to have closed its equine therapy program. The Burnet, Texas nonprofit announced in June 2023 that it would end the program before the end of that year, and we found no sign that it reopened. Active centers in Central Texas are listed below.
Nearby centers and history
Active Centers Nearby
- Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship in Leander offers adaptive horsemanship lessons and equine-assisted learning for children and adults.
- Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center in Leander offers adaptive horseback riding, equine-assisted learning and reading programs with horses.
- H.E.L.P. Horse Empowered Learning Programs in Pflugerville offers therapeutic riding and horsemanship activities for children and adults.
For more options, see all equine therapy centers in Texas, and our guide on how to choose a center.
About the Program
According to DailyTrib.com, founder and executive director Sherry Atherton started HARTH in 2015. IRS records summarized by ProPublica show the foundation received tax exemption in August 2015. Its veterans program used grooming, horse care and groundwork rather than riding, and the Texas Veterans Network listing says it was free for veterans, service members and their families. Read more about equine therapy for veterans.
In March 2019 the center added a riding program for youths and adults with special needs, led by a PATH International certified instructor. In 2023 DailyTrib.com described HARTH as the only PATH Intl. certified facility in Burnet, Llano and Lampasas counties.
Closure
On June 15, 2023, DailyTrib.com reported that HARTH would end its equine therapy operation before the end of 2023. A letter from its leadership cited high operating costs, strain from the COVID-19 pandemic and trouble finding qualified PATH-certified instructors, even with a waiting list that could fill close to 80 sessions a month.
The foundation's last IRS filing listed by ProPublica covers the 2023 tax year, and we found no report of the program reopening or passing to another organization. Families in the area may want to read how to choose a center when looking for another program.
Location
HARTH operated at 3307 Sunset Cliff Rd, Burnet, TX 78611, along Lake Buchanan in Burnet County, with a covered arena and stables. Its veterans program listed a service area of Bell, Blanco, Burnet, Lampasas, Llano, San Saba, Travis and Williamson counties.
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.
Is HARTH Foundation still open?
No. In June 2023 the foundation announced it would end its equine therapy operation in Burnet County before the end of 2023, and we found no evidence that it reopened or that another group took it over.
Did HARTH charge veterans for its programs?
No. Its veterans programs were listed as free for veterans, service members and their families. The special-needs riding program and counseling for people outside military families had fees.
Did HARTH offer horseback riding?
Its veterans program was unmounted, built on grooming and groundwork. Its separate therapeutic riding program served children, youths and adults with special needs.
Location
Burnet, Texas 78611