Eos Therapeutic Riding Center
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 |
Logan Heffner, Treasurer | Karen Kaskie |
Barbara Branda, Bookkeeper | Ashlie Sitler |
Mary Lynne Brown | Joan Powell |
Abigail Heffner | Ellen Gauger-Strouse |
Karen McElwee | Amy Rhoads |
Lisa Rumberger
| Jackie Shuman |
Gerry VonBlohn | Cathy Cooper |
Jeff Wolfe | |
Amy Lewis |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sport
Sport is a former show and barrel pony who is settling into a new chapter at Eos. He loves to learn and is discovering new things alongside patient, kind riders and caretakers. As he grows more comfortable in his surroundings, Sport is forming friendships with both people and horses and beginning to find a special sense of purpose. Most of all, he seems happy to have found a place where he belongs.
Scooby 2
23 yr old
Registered Quarter Horse
Scooby 2 is a 23-year-old registered Quarter Horse gelding with an impressive show career, including success at the Amateur Quarter Horse Congress in Western Pleasure. He has also been an IEA show horse, roped from, team penned, and trained by some of the top professionals in the country. After years of showing and traveling, Scooby now enjoys a slower pace at Eos, where he is loved and appreciated for exactly who he is. After all he has accomplished, perhaps his greatest prize is simply knowing, “They see me.”
Eli
Eli is a trusted trail horse who has seen plenty in his travels and seems to take his new experiences at Eos in stride. Friendly and outgoing, he enjoys meeting new people and has quickly embraced the attention and care of those around him. Eli seems to understand how meaningful it is to feel noticed and valued, and he brings that same quiet understanding to his riders — a gentle reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen and know that they matter.
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.
Dunkin
4 year old
Bio coming soon!