The Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors recently received an update from Horses Help Southwest Iowa (HHSWI), a local nonprofit organization providing equine-assisted services for individuals facing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. Founded in 2022 and opened in fall 2023, the organization serves participants from across Southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska from its 20-acre facility near Council Bluffs.
Executive Director Kori Nelson shared how Horses Help Southwest Iowa uses horses as partners in education, wellness, and healing. Located just east of Council Bluffs, the organization provides a welcoming rural environment where participants can experience the therapeutic benefits of working with horses while developing confidence, independence, and life skills.
HHSWI's mission is to provide equine-assisted sessions in a safe and inclusive environment for individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, or social challenges. Participants include children and adults with conditions such as Down syndrome, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, anxiety, and other developmental or physical disabilities. The organization also serves individuals recovering from trauma, veterans, seniors experiencing dementia, and families seeking unique opportunities for growth and connection.
People are also reading…
During adaptive riding sessions, participants work alongside trained instructors, volunteers, and horses to improve balance, coordination, communication, motor skills, and self-confidence. Activities are tailored to each individual's needs and may include riding exercises, problem-solving tasks, hand-eye coordination activities, and other skill-building opportunities. According to Nelson, the movement of a horse closely mirrors the human gait, making equine-assisted services particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility challenges.
In addition to adaptive riding, Horses Help Southwest Iowa offers Equine-Assisted Learning programs that teach responsibility, empathy, patience, and teamwork through hands-on experiences with horses and ranch activities. The organization also partners with licensed mental health professionals to provide Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) programming, a ground-based approach that helps individuals work through trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.
Nelson shared several examples of the organization's impact, including partnerships with Ronald McDonald House Charities, Council Bluffs CARES, local schools, Girl Scout troops, and nursing homes. Horses Help Southwest Iowa also offers cart-driving programs that create opportunities for individuals who may not be able to ride a horse due to physical limitations.
Among the stories highlighted was the organization's work with hospice patients and seniors. Nelson described visits that have allowed lifelong horse enthusiasts to reconnect with horses during their final stages of life. The organization is also exploring the growing body of research demonstrating the benefits of equine-assisted services for individuals living with dementia, helping improve mood, social engagement, and overall well-being.
Founded by Council Bluffs native Linda Heithoff Borman, Horses Help Southwest Iowa was inspired by her experiences helping raise two younger siblings with Down syndrome. Her vision was to create a place where people of all ages and abilities could experience the healing and educational benefits that horses can provide.
As a nonprofit organization, Horses Help Southwest Iowa relies on donations and community support to keep services affordable. While the average cost of an adaptive riding session is approximately $150, the organization charges participants only $50 per session, with donations helping bridge the gap.
