By founder Elisa Bell.

The history of Edelweiss is very personal for me. It developed out of my own need. In 1995, I was diagnosed with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) a mental disorder. During treatment, I heard about animal companion therapy. A stray cat became my comrade. We went through many rough days together. I am proud to say I am a survivor of mental illness, and thanks to continued consultation, I live a fulfilled life.

Grateful for the impact animal therapy made for me, I began volunteering at an equine assisted therapy center north of Indianapolis. Not only did I help others, but caring for the animals continued to give me comfort and tranquility as well.

Eventually, a career transition and move interrupted my volunteering and left a huge void in my life. There were no local equestrian facilities serving East Central Indiana. With encouragement from my mom, we explored the requirements to open our own center and decided it was doable. In October, 2002, we began to establish financial support through hand-crafted jewelry sales and private donations.

To spread the word about Edelweiss and educate people on the benefits of therapeutic riding, I gave presentations at churches, civic meetings, schools—any place that would have me. Through talking to people it became clear the need for this therapy was great and people wanted to be a part of establishing something so meaningful. We gratefully welcomed them into the Edelweiss corral.

By 2004, we had leased our current land and facilities. Property improvements began. Volunteers gifted hours of work donating their talents and financial resources. We received generous in-kind gifts such as tack, and equipment. Even our first four-legged therapist was donated. The horses (and I) began intensive training.

I cannot tell you what it meant to all of us when on May 2, 2004 we celebrated the gates of Edelweiss Equine Assisted Therapy Center swinging wide open.

It took an enormous number of loving, giving people to make this dream a reality. That is Edelweiss’ history and whether as a rider, a volunteer or a donor, we invite you to join us as the journey continues.   WALK ON!!