Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska (EATA) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Equine Assisted Therapy Alaska (EATA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska. Established in 2001, EATA is dedicated to enhancing the physical, psychological, and social well-being of Alaskans living with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship. The organization offers equine-assisted activities and therapies for both children and adults, aiming to improve their quality of life by fostering emotional and physical growth in a supportive environment.

Mission and Vision

EATA's mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the opportunity for emotional and physical growth through horsemanship. The organization envisions a community where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can experience the therapeutic benefits of interacting with horses, leading to increased self-confidence, physical strength, and personal victories.

Primary Area of Focus

EATA focuses on delivering equine-assisted activities and therapies, including therapeutic riding, hippotherapy, and equine-facilitated psychotherapy. These programs are designed to address a wide range of conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, neuromuscular disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Industry Significance

As a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), EATA adheres to high standards in providing quality therapeutic horseback riding programs. The organization plays a crucial role in the Alaskan community by offering alternative therapeutic options that complement traditional medical treatments, thereby contributing to the holistic well-being of individuals with disabilities.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Enhancing Accessibility: Expand programs to serve a broader demographic, including individuals from rural Alaskan communities.

• Program Development: Develop and implement new therapeutic programs tailored to the evolving needs of participants.

• Community Engagement: Strengthen partnerships with local clinics and organizations to provide comprehensive therapeutic services.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Therapeutic Riding: Conduct one-hour lessons focusing on riding skills, coordination, balance, and self-esteem.

• Hippotherapy: Provide intensive one-on-one therapy sessions with licensed therapists utilizing the horse's movement to achieve therapeutic goals.

• Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy: Offer programs aimed at emotional growth and learning through interactions with horses.

Key Technologies Utilized

EATA employs specialized equipment such as adaptive riding gear and therapeutic tools to accommodate various disabilities. The organization also utilizes digital platforms for scheduling, participant tracking, and communication with clients and volunteers.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

EATA primarily serves individuals with physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism spectrum disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The organization also extends its services to military veterans and families, offering programs designed to assist with rehabilitation and emotional well-being.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

EATA's operations are sustained through a combination of donations, memberships, program revenue, and grants from foundations and other nonprofits. In the fiscal year ending December 2024, the organization reported total revenues of $21,722, with total expenses amounting to $10,806. The net assets as of December 31, 2024, were $222,624.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, EATA has received grants from organizations such as the Gottstein-Hodes Family Foundation and the Richard L and Diane M Block Foundation, indicating ongoing support from the philanthropic community.

Notable Investors

While individual donors are not publicly listed, EATA's financial statements indicate support from various foundations and community members who contribute to the organization's mission.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds are primarily utilized to support program development, maintain facilities, provide scholarships for participants, and cover operational expenses. The organization also allocates resources towards volunteer training and community outreach initiatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

EATA is in the process of developing new programs aimed at addressing the therapeutic needs of military veterans and their families. These programs are designed to assist with rehabilitation and emotional well-being through equine-assisted activities.

Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development

As a nonprofit organization focused on therapeutic services, EATA does not engage in clinical trials or product development. Instead, the organization continually assesses and refines its therapeutic programs to meet the evolving needs of its participants.

Target Conditions

The new programs are specifically tailored to assist military veterans and their families in overcoming challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder, physical injuries, and emotional trauma.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

While specific timelines for the rollout of these new programs are not publicly disclosed, EATA is committed to expanding its services to meet the needs of the community.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

EATA utilizes specialized equipment such as adaptive riding gear and therapeutic tools to accommodate various disabilities. The organization also employs digital platforms for scheduling, participant tracking, and communication with clients and volunteers.

Significant Scientific Methods

The organization employs evidence-based therapeutic methods, including the use of the horse's movement in hippotherapy to mimic human gait patterns, thereby improving motor functions and balance. Equine-facilitated psychotherapy is also utilized to promote emotional growth and learning through interactions with horses.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

• Kassi Fetters – President (2018 to Present)

• Professional Background: Financial planner with a Bachelor's degree in Finance.

• Contributions to EATA: Board member since 2016, volunteer since 2007, and current president.

• Shannon Parker – Vice President (2023 to Present)

• Professional Background: Doctor of Occupational Therapy, with experience in teaching and occupational therapy.

• Contributions to EATA: Board member since 2021, volunteer since 2016, and current vice president.

• Kathie Yoder – Secretary (2020 to Present)

• Professional Background: Retired special education teacher.

• Contributions to EATA: Board member since 2019, volunteer since 2014, and current secretary.

• Ken Eickhoff – Board Member (2019 to Present)

• Professional Background: Corporate Controller with a graduate degree in accounting.

• Contributions to EATA: Board member since 2019.

• Jule Magee – Board Member and Volunteer (2014 to Present)

• Professional Background: Retired from Alyeska Pipeline Service Company with experience in regulatory compliance, finance, quality, and human resources.

• Contributions to EATA: Board member since 2014, volunteer since 2014.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The equine-assisted therapy market in Alaska is characterized by a growing demand for alternative therapeutic options that complement traditional medical treatments. Organizations like EATA play a vital role in addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities by offering programs that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive development.

Competitor Analysis

• Peninsula Equine Therapy Inc

• Location: Soldotna, Alaska

• Focus: Individual therapy for children aged five and up.

• Notable Achievements: Established in 2002, offering specialized counseling services utilizing equine-assisted therapy.

• Southcentral Therapeutic Riding Inc (STRIDE)

• Location: Wasilla, Alaska

• Focus: Therapeutic riding sessions for individuals with special needs.

• Notable Achievements: Provides small group sessions with certified instructors, offering therapeutic riding experiences.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

EATA collaborates with local pediatric clinics in the Anchorage area, including Alaska OT Services, Alaska Pediatric Therapy, and All For Kids Pediatric Therapy, to provide hippotherapy services. These partnerships enhance the organization's ability to offer comprehensive therapeutic programs to a diverse clientele.