$500,000 Gift Supports HSU Equine Therapy Program and Student Scholarships

Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) is excited to announce a $500,000 donation from a long-time benefactor in support of the university’s Equine Therapy program and student scholarships. This gift, dedicated to expanding therapeutic services and providing more opportunities for students, marks a significant step forward in our commitment to serving the community.

“We are very excited to launch the first phase of our equestrian program at HSU. We are currently setting up a temporary arena to allow us to provide hippotherapy services to adults and children throughout West Texas,” said Dr. Wendy Anemaet, Director of Equine Therapy at HSU. “Hippotherapy is the use of the horse in physical, occupational, and speech therapy to accomplish goals such as improving gait, strengthening, improving balance, reducing spasticity, and enhancing trunk control.”

Dr. Anemaet continued, “As we work toward securing full funding for our facility, this gift allows us to begin offering services right away and sets the foundation for future growth. Our long-term plans include expanding the program to serve more therapists and patients, offering mental health services, therapeutic riding (horseback activities and riding instruction for individuals with disabilities), and college-level certificates and degree program. We look forward to embracing our Western heritage and bringing these exciting opportunities to Abilene and the surrounding communities.”

While fundraising for a permanent facility continues, the program will officially launch this fall with students administering hippotherapy, using part of the arena and six of our trained white horses. The launch marks an exciting new chapter for HSU.