It is with heavy hearts that, after many years of connecting humans with the unique healing power of horses, Equine Assisted Development must close.
Effective October 31, 2025
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A Letter from the Board
Dear EAD Friends and Family - After many years of heartfelt service, we are announcing the thoughtful and planned closure of Equine
Assisted Development, effective October 31, 2025. This decision has not been made lightly, but it
comes with a deep sense of pride in all that we’ve accomplished and immense gratitude for the journey we've shared.Through the healing power of horses, we’ve witnessed countless moments of growth, confidence, and connection. Our “farm in the city” has been more than a physical space — it has been a sanctuary for hope, healing, and restoration. Our incredible herd has been at the heart of it all, offering silent strength, patience, and partnership to every individual who walked through our gates or experienced a “Real Happiness Mobile Unit” visit.
We are proud of the impact we’ve made and know that the ripples of this work will continue far beyond our pastures. As we close this chapter, we do so knowing that the values and lessons learned here will carry forward — in the lives of our participants, in the hearts of our supporters and volunteers, and in the legacy of our horses.
To all our volunteers, supporters, and past clients, thank you all for being part of this meaningful ride. The journey has truly been a gift.
We are forever grateful to Deb and her horses for providing a safe place for healing, hope, growth, and self-improvement.
The Board of EAD
Executive Director
Deb VanderBand
To All of Us,
EAD's decision to become a nonprofit in 2017 paved the way for impacting thousands of lives on a farm in the city. With 37 different types of programs, retreats, and team-building activities, the horses have woven a thread of hope, healing, connection, and encouragement, showing that anyone has the ability to find the answers and processes they need for successful breakthroughs and change.
The comfort felt on this farm was the most consistent feedback we received, though many who came here could not put a finger on the feeling itself. Many said it was a sense of belonging or a feeling of peace. Or the sense of feeling valued and safe. And they said this with a true, honest, non-judgmental, and relational attitude.
I truly believe God met each person where they were when they came to the farm. All of us showed His love so consistently that each person felt the difference that was EAD. I was honored to be in the arena, facilitating the art of letting go for each person. To witness the 'aha' moment for each person, eventually leading to making effective change. The horses stood in the gap, allowing people to understand the possibility and start a course of new habits that built trust and respect for themselves.
Building the team of horses that facilitated that change was a wonderful part of the process over the years. Did you know EAD was the first non-riding therapy program in Kent County? Unto the very end, the stand of non-riding did not compromise. EAD helped fill the community's lack of volunteering opportunities and became successful in tallying an annual average of 2400 service hours. The support of the community, generous donors, and skilled volunteers enabled the programming to shift purposefully in response to each year's needs. When faced with crippling setbacks, EAD kept a steadfast movement forward, meeting adversity with courage and strength.
The 18-year privilege to be the hands, feet, and hooves of Jesus, to believe that your mission field is beneath your planted feet. To have a family that believed, loved, and prayed for Butch and me as we undertook this mission together. And it was always together, as we were partners in this journey. His passing has made it abundantly clear how we were locked arm-in-step, and wholly believed in each person that stepped onto the farm.
The gratitude I feel is beyond words. The love and support have been remarkable. The sorrow of this year has been lifted in mighty prayer by all of you, and I can feel the difference it makes.
Thank you for being a part of us.
This chapter is over, but the book is still being written.
From my family to yours, love does win.
Peace,
Deb VanderBand
To Our Volunteers
There have been many volunteers over the years, from barn helpers and farmhands to event staff, session facilitators, participants in the Real Happiness Mobile Unit, and those working behind the scenes, including social media, website, and newsletter contributors, photographers, and more.
There can be no better representation of the reach of EAD and its work than the number of volunteers who have given so freely of their time and talents.