ABOUT US
Therapeutic horseback riding activities for mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged children, adults, and for veterans
Established in 1992 to provide therapeutic horseback riding activities for mentally, physically, and emotionally challenged children and adults. Eos (pronounced EE-ose) is a shortened form of the word Eohippus, the first horse of evolution.
OUR HISTORY
Eos was founded in 1992 by Executive Director Debbie Smith.
She learned about therapeutic riding when she was recovering from a back injury and understood how riding could benefit people with physical problems. With a modest amount of money donated by friends and businesses in Millville, PA, and a great deal of determination, she began the program with six riders and two ponies that she owned. Eos was also incorporated in that year. In 1993 Eos became an IRS tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
We are also registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Eos has experienced steady growth with increasing demand for our special type of therapy. Our more than ten-fold increase in riders has required us to own twelve horses and ponies.
The first six years of operation were done outdoors in a riding ring and small outdoor trail. In 1997, Eos was awarded the Columbia County Community Development Block Grant that provided most of the funds to construct an indoor riding arena so that we could operate a longer riding season and even in inclement weather.
The 1998 season saw the first operations in the new arena and nearly double the number of riding sessions from the previous year. In 1999, a heated waiting room and accessible restroom facility were added to the arena. Also, that year saw an increase in the number of riding sessions by another fifty per cent over 1998. Eos now provides over 2,000 therapeutic riding sessions annually to about 80 riders. This growth has been possible through the hard work and devotion of hundreds of people, the vast majority of whom labor as volunteers, as well as generous contributors and the community as a whole.

Our Riders
Our riders come from a large geographic area around Bloomsburg, PA, which includes Columbia, Montour, Northumberland, Union, Luzerne, & Snyder counties. They present a wide variety of special needs including cerebral palsy, spina bifida, brain and spinal cord injuries, mental impairments, sensory deficits, autism, and many others. The ages of our riders range from toddler to senior citizen. We currently serve about 80 riders and have a waiting list of 15. Riders are added to the program as resources allow. Physicians or physical and occupational therapists refer some riders to the program. Others are referred by social or case workers or the families of established riders. Still others hear about us from a variety of other sources including newspaper and television stories and information booths at malls and community events around the area.
Staff and Board of Directors
Eos Therapeutic riding center is lovingly built and maintained by these folks
Board of Directors | Support Committee |
|---|---|
Christopher Lewis, President | Sarah Smith |
Samantha Ostrander, Vice President | Lise Zalac |
Debbie Traugh, Secretary | Janet Rakoskie |
Amy Lewis, Treasurer | Karen Kaskie |
Barbara Branda, Bookkeeper | Ashlie Sitler |
Mary Lynne Brown | Joan Powell |
Abigail Hefner | Ellen Gauger-Strouse |
Karen McElwee | Amy Rhoads |
Lisa Rumberger
| Jackie Shuman |
Gerry VonBlohn | Cathy Cooper |
Jeff Wolfe |
Our Horses
Our horses are the heart of our program. Each one brings a unique personality, gentle spirit, and special set of skills to help our riders grow and succeed. Below you can meet the horses who help make "miracles on horseback" possible every day.

Jimmy
25 yr old
Percheron/Quarter Horse Cross
Jimmy has been part of Eos for 15 years after being purchased from an Amish farm in Ohio. Known as the "flagship" of the herd, he takes pride in showing others "how it's done." With a heart bigger than his size, Jimmy brings joy and confidence to every rider he carries. He loves his job, his riders, and his friends, and his message is simple: embrace growth and always keep learning with kindness.

Mac
24 yr old
Registered Quarter Horse
Mac joined Eos 11 years ago after a successful show career on the Quarter Horse circuit. A multiple AQHA champion, he's known for his smooth, Cadilac-like ride and his steady presence with younger riders with CP, Spina Bifida, and brain trauma. Though his "game face" can look serious, Mac always gives his best and reminds us that hard work pays off when you show up fully.

Scooby 2
Info Coming...

Captain
16 yr old
Quarter Horse/Welsh Pony Cross
Captain, fondly known by many nicknames, enjoys the social side of his job and loves hearing "thank you" from his riders. Once a hunter jumper, he found his true calling at Eos, where his gentle nature shines with younger riders. With a happy spirit and an easy way about him, Captain is well-loved and proud to be part of the herd.

Stetson
14 yr old
Paint/Draft Cross
Stetson, a former lesson and trail horse, has brought his steady nature and sweet temperament to Eos. Beloved everywhere he’s been, he has a special bond with his herd—especially his best friend Jimmy—and is a favorite among our teen and adult riders. Known for his quiet intuition, Stetson seems to read people with ease, helping them slow down, breathe deeply, and feel safe. Grateful for the care and appreciation he receives, Stetson gives just as much back, reminding us that the simplest moments of connection are often the most powerful.

Scooby
13 yr old
Gypsy Vanner
Scooby's journey took him from Arizona to Texas before finding his forever home at Eos. Once a show horse, he is now cherished for his kind spirit and resilience. Grateful for the love and care he's received, Scooby reminds us to trust that we will be taken care of and that good people bring out the best in each other. Today, he is proud to call Eos home and share his gentle heart with every rider.

Twister
13 yr old
Gypsy Cob
Twister, a former 4-H State Champion, is now a beloved therapy pony at Eos. With his zest for life and gentle spirit, he is especially important for our younger riders, from toddlers through early elementary age, who experience the magic of riding on his back. Proud to be the "flagship pony," Twister reminds us to always put our best foot forward with an open heart.

Thunder
11 yr old
Gypsy Cob/Quarter Horse Cross
Thunder came to Eos as a young, untrained horse and has grown into a true partner thanks to patient training and love. Once a "wild child" he found his purpose here, just as many riders do. With his gentle heart and quiet strength, Thunder reminds us that everyone has gifts to share, and that with support, we can all find our place and touch the lives of others.

Tex
6 yr old
Registered Paint
Tex, a registered Paint, spent time in professional training and on the trails before finding his forever home at Eos. Known for his charm and striking looks, he quickly became a favorite among riders who appreciate both his talent and his friendly nature. Tex takes pride in making people smile and sees his purpose as helping riders find their footing while enjoying the journey. With his big heart and playful spirit, he is a horse who truly shines.

Tank
10 year old
Gypsy Vanner
Tank is our steady "iron horse," helping riders build confidence at their own pace. With his quiet, dependable nature, he gives riders a sense of balance and security-especially those with CP. Known for his annual handlebar mustache and laid-back "lazyboy chair" ride, Tank is both a photo favorite and a cherished partner in the arena.

St. Vinny
4 yr old
Paint/Draft Cross
St. Vinny, our southern charmer, grew up in the “wilds of Alabama” before coming to Eos. Once a young trail horse, he learned by following others and trying his best, always eager to please. Since joining the herd, Vinny’s world has expanded with new people, new lessons, and a role he is proud to grow into. With his big, sensitive heart, he reminds us that horses feel deeply too and shows us how emotions, patience, and understanding can bring healing.

Sport
Info Coming...
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Sparkie
16 year old
Quarter Horse
Sparkie, a former show horse in hunt seat, pleasure, equitation, and 4-H, has always had a special love for children. Once reserved at first meeting, he lit up the moment he saw pictures of kids and eagerly joined the program. Gentle, curious, and kind, Sparkie delights in engaging with young riders and is always waiting at the gate with a bright-eyed smile. His name perfectly captures the joy and spark he brings to everyone around him.








