Bella Terra Stables

What Bella Terra Stables does

Bella Terra Stables is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit (Tax ID 85-2683587) founded in July 2020 by Amber Power and Ilse Eisele on a 26-acre farm at 4913 Logan Ferry Road in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, in close proximity to Pittsburgh. The organization delivers equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs in which all activities are conducted on the ground with horses — no riding — using a treatment team certified in EAGALA, Arenas for Change (ARCH), O.K. Corral Series, and EquiLateral EA-EMDR modalities. Its program portfolio spans individual therapy (children ages 7+), 8-week group therapy for adults and 6-week series for ages 9-13, the THRIVE suite of social-emotional learning programs (including a mobile trailer-based format and a year-long school partnership format), Stories in the Stable literacy sessions, Barn Buddies for ages 2-5, and adult wellness offerings (Beat the Burnout, Qigong Yoga, Open Barn). A separately branded Purposeful Retirement Program provides lifelong sanctuary for horses deemed "no longer useful" due to age, injury, or illness, with the option for retired horses to become therapy partners.

The business model blends fee-based program revenue, recurring horse sponsorships, donations, and merchandise sales. Program fees are unit-priced, ranging from $5 (Stories in the Stable) to $65 (Beat the Burnout, currently subsidized to $10 via a Staunton Farm Foundation grant). Elite Horse Sponsorship is offered at $5,500 per horse per year covering hay, grain, vaccinations, dental, hoof, and medical care, and a variable-amount monthly sponsorship program supports ongoing horse care. Average horse-care cost is approximately $4,500 per month across an 11-horse therapy herd and a broader pool of 21 horses helped through rescue and retirement. Distribution is primarily on-site at the Murrysville farm with the THRIVE Mobile program extending to off-site schools and community locations; registration runs through the Zeffy ticketing platform. Marketing relies on earned regional media (KDKA Pittsburgh, WTAE, Trib Live), organic social (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), and school and healthcare-system referrals. A small 1-10-employee team is supported by a board that includes a UPMC pediatric EMS medical director and a senior water-resources engineering director, plus a network of named individual donors and community volunteers.

Name

Bella Terra Stables

Legal name

Bella Terra Stables

Website

https://bellaterrastables.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Bella Terra Stables is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 26-acre farm in Murrysville, Pennsylvania, that delivers ground-based equine-assisted psychotherapy, social-emotional learning, and wellness programs to children, families, first responders, and helping professionals in the Pittsburgh metro area.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Animal Production (11521), Horses and Other Equine Production (112920), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Agricultural Prod-Livestock & Animal Specialties (200), Agricultural Services (700), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Horse Boarding, Livery & Stable Operations (AFAEAGAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Equine Rehabilitation, Layup & Retirement Facilities (AFAEAGAJ), Equine Care & Stable Management (EDAOAOAE)

Keywords

• Equine-assisted psychotherapy
• Equine-assisted learning
• Horse therapy services
• Wellness workshops
• Therapy horse retirement

Headquarters

HQ city

Murrysville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization (Tax ID: 85-2683587), Bella Terra Stables relies heavily on charitable donations from individuals, families, and community members. The organization hosts online fundraisers and accepts one-time and recurring donations.
2. Therapeutic and Educational Program Fees: Revenue generated from fee-based programs including equine-assisted psychotherapy (individual and group), THRIVE courses, professional development workshops, wellness programs (Beat the Burnout, Qigong Yoga), and children's programs (Barn Buddies, Stories in the Stable).
3. Elite Horse Sponsorship Program: Annual sponsorship program at $5,500 per horse provides comprehensive year-round care including hay, grain, vaccinations, dental care, hoof trims, medications, and supplies. Monthly giving options are also available for ongoing horse care support.
4. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel (t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies) and accessories (beanies, spiral notebooks) with proceeds going toward horse care. Free shipping and handling included.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Bella Terra Stables is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers ground-based equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning programs on a 26-acre farm in Murrysville, PA. Core offerings include individual therapy, group therapy, THRIVE social-emotional learning programs, professional development workshops, literacy programs, wellness experiences, and a purposeful retirement sanctuary for rescued and aging therapy horses. Services are facilitated by a multi-certified treatment team using EAGALA, Arenas for Change, O.K. Corral Series, and EquiLateral EA-EMDR modalities.

Product overview

Bella Terra Stables operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2020, offering a comprehensive suite of equine-assisted therapy and learning services on 26 acres in Murrysville, PA. The core service portfolio centers on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), encompassing Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and specialized programs including THRIVE! (social-emotional skill building), Stories in the Stable (literacy), Barn Buddies (early childhood), and Professional Development workshops. Wellness offerings include Beat the Burnout (for first responders and helping professionals), Qigong-Infused Yoga, and Open Barn community events. Additional services encompass horse sponsorship (Elite Horse Sponsorship at $5,500/year), a Purposeful Retirement Program for aging horses, and a merchandise store. The organization operates with a blended product model where multiple distinct service lines share a common therapeutic modality (equine-assisted interventions) and therapeutic framework (Eagala, O.K. Corral Series, Arenas for Change certifications).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (Individual Therapy) Personalized one-on-one equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions in nature with horses for children ages 7 and up, providing a private and supportive environment for exploring personal challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Facilitated by a licensed therapist and equine specialist. Currently full with a waitlist.
• Group Therapy An 8-week equine-assisted group therapy series for ages 20 and up, and a 6-week series for ages 9-13, designed to build insight through guided activities with horses and reflective group discussion.
• THRIVE! Programs Equine-assisted learning programs using horses to help children and teens strengthen social-emotional skills, including THRIVE Field Trip, THRIVE Course (6-session weekly program for ages 11-14), THRIVE Mobile (off-site program), and THRIVE All Year formats.
• Equine-Assisted Learning Educational approach using horses in group settings to promote personal growth, skill development, and emotional well-being through hands-on experiential activities.
• Professional Development Workshops Experiential team-building workshops for organizations, educators, healthcare teams, first responders, and corporate groups to strengthen communication, leadership, and collaboration skills through horse interactions.
• Stories in the Stable Literacy program where children read aloud to horses in a nonjudgmental environment, enhancing reading skills, social skills, and a positive association with reading.
• Barn Buddies A 4-session farm adventure program for children ages 2-5 with parent/guardian, featuring hands-on activities with horses, nature exploration, and early learning through play.
• Beat the Burnout Experiential wellness program for first responders and helping professionals (healthcare workers, educators, counselors) to release stress, recharge, and restore balance through equine-assisted learning. Priced at $65 per person, subsidized to $10 via Staunton Farm Foundation grant.
• Qigong-Infused Yoga Gentle mindfulness and yoga practice paired with the presence of horses, combining graceful movement, breathwork, and nature connection for stress relief and grounding. Priced at $35 per session.
• Open Barn Family and community experience offering relaxed farm visits with opportunities to meet horses, enjoy nature walks, and learn about equine-assisted programs on the 26-acre property. Held monthly June-August.
• Purposeful Retirement Program Lifelong sanctuary and retirement care for horses deemed 'no longer useful' due to age, injury, or illness, with the option to become therapy partners when emotionally and physically ready. 21 horses have been helped through this program since founding.
• Elite Horse Sponsorship Annual sponsorship program ($5,500 per horse) providing comprehensive year-round care including hay, grain, vaccinations, dental care, hoof care, and medications for therapy horses. Includes website recognition and Sponsor Appreciation Days.
• Merchandise Store Branded merchandise including apparel (sweatshirts, t-shirts, long sleeve tees), accessories (beanies), and notebooks with proceeds supporting horse care. Priced $20-$60 per item with free shipping.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2000+ children served through Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy & Learning (July 2020 - December 2025)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Two partnerships are on record, tiered supporting.

• Rotary Club of Murrysville-EastsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal service organization partnering with Bella Terra Stables to support community programs and wellness initiatives.
• Community Friends and VolunteerssupportingOthersFriends of Bella Terra including Elizabeth McGee, Katharine McHugh, Kim Howie, Jackie Pipins, Shannon Hill, Kay Hebrank, Cindy Wernert, Rita Power, Kimberly Peay, Tim Vandeman, Lauren DeStefano, Madi Hunter, Monika Kumor, Debbie Eisele, Laura Seheult, Melissa DeStefano, Janet Bednarz, Jim Spellane, Holly Horner, Kathryn Show, Mary Beth Hickox-Howard, Amy DeStefano, Alisa Ferguson, Meredith Larson, Cynthia Seale, Reagan Hill, Beverly Jacobs, Lindsey Scherer, Donna Imhoff, Janet Postupac, Katy Van Arsdale, Ken Howard Bershtein, and Jessica Rogers who volunteer time and resources.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• HorseHeard UK: HorseHeard UK is a UK-based organization delivering equine-facilitated learning and therapy programs focused on mental health, wellbeing, and personal development. It is comparable to Bella Terra through its use of horses as facilitators of mental health and learning outcomes, though it operates in a different geography.

Direct peers

• Hearts & Horses: Hearts & Horses is a Colorado-based nonprofit therapeutic riding and equine-assisted services organization serving children and adults with disabilities and mental health needs. It is highly comparable to Bella Terra as a nonprofit equine therapy operator with similar mission, equine-assisted modalities, and donor-funded model.
• High Hopes Therapeutic Riding: High Hopes is a Connecticut-based nonprofit offering therapeutic horsemanship and equine-assisted services for individuals with disabilities and life challenges. It is comparable to Bella Terra as a regional nonprofit equine-assisted services organization serving similar populations with similar donor-funded programs.
• Green Chimneys: Green Chimneys is a New York-based nonprofit combining animal-assisted therapy (including equine programs) with residential treatment and special education for children with emotional and behavioral needs. Comparable to Bella Terra through its equine-assisted mental health focus and farm-based therapeutic setting for youth.
• Mane Stream: Mane Stream is a New Jersey-based nonprofit providing equine-assisted therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy alongside mental health programs. It is comparable to Bella Terra as a multi-modality nonprofit equine therapy center serving similar pediatric and adult populations with similar horse-centered service models.
• Bright Spot Therapy: Bright Spot Therapy is a Connecticut-based nonprofit offering equine-assisted therapy and therapeutic riding for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. It is comparable to Bella Terra as a regional nonprofit equine therapy provider with similar program mix and donor-supported operating model.
• Cheff Center: Cheff Center is a Michigan-based nonprofit providing hippotherapy and equine-assisted therapy for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and emotional disabilities. It is comparable to Bella Terra as a nonprofit equine therapy organization with similar horse-centered therapy mission and community-supported operating model.

Others

• EAGALA: EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is the global nonprofit standards-setting organization that certifies equine-assisted psychotherapy professionals, including Bella Terra's team. It is a comparable ecosystem participant because EAGALA defines the modality framework and certification standards Bella Terra operates within.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@bellaterrastables
• Facebookfacebook.com/BellaTerraStables
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bella-terra-stables
• Instagraminstagram.com/bella.terra.stables

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bella Terra Stables