Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited is a non-profit organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding services to special needs children in Northwest Indiana. Based in Hobart Indiana, the program was established in 1979, and has provided services to the children in our communities since that time.
Student riders in the program have a variety of developmental and physical challenges, including Autism, Down’s Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy. Our trained instructors develop customized lesson plans for each student, based on the needs and abilities of the student. Students ride for 10-week sessions in the spring, summer and fall, and participate in other special activities throughout the year.
Besides the physical benefits of improving balance, coordination, and self-confidence while directing the horse, the riders and their families also develop deep, loving relationships with our horses, and learn the joys of knowing and caring for these gentle animals.
For many of the special needs children, the EEU riding session is the highlight of their week. EEU operates its riding program on a 30-acre horse farm in Hobart Indiana, where we have a barn with an indoor riding arena, outdoor riding areas, and many pastures for the horses to graze. They currently have 9 specially trained therapy horses in the program.
They help create improvement and advancement for children with: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Down Syndrome; Cerebral Palsy; Asperger’s Syndrome; ADHD; Limb Loss; Emotional Impairment; Anxiety Disorder; Head Trauma; Hearing Impairment; Learning Disabilities; Neuromuscular Disorders; and Spinal Cord Injuries.
Eligibility Includes a Rider with a documented diagnosis/disability (completed physician’s referral); Completed parent/guardian consent form; Minimum age: 4 years old (no upper age limit); and Maximum Weight: 185 pounds.
The Taste of Spring Fundraiser is Friday, May 8th, 2026 at the Dean And Barbara White Community Center, in Merrillville, Indiana.
Spring Session starts May 1st thru June 24th (late comers welcome.) Summer Session is July 17th – August 29th and Fall Session is September 5th thru October 30th. Please call or visit their website at eeunwi.org, Facebook at eeunwi, or call 219-945-0726. Their email address is eeunwi@outlook.com.
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
