Heidi Lenz’s work on a Master of Arts in Education degree at Viterbo University helped her build leadership skills that came in handy not only in the education arena but also in starting her dream business: an equestrian therapeutic center.

She pursued her master’s degree thinking she would like to be a school principal. Then in 2020, she talked with the owners of an equine therapy facility and realized her dream job wasn’t in a school. She and her husband, Jason, were eager to help people through the presence of horses. With a lot of praying and hard work, they built an indoor arena for equine therapy and therapeutic riding sessions.

When Lenz and her husband were thinking about business names, they knew they needed a name people would remember. While driving one day they talked about naming the business, creating different phrases that included the word “strides,” but they were unsure. When they arrived home, still discussing names, they found Viterbo’s alumni magazine, Strides, in their mailbox.

That was it.

“The meaning behind Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center is to provide people the opportunity to make positive strides in their mental health just as horses make strides each day,” Lenz said. “We feel strongly that God is guiding us through this amazing journey.”

The most rewarding part of their journey is helping others accomplish their goals through the interventions they offer. They provide a unique space that is emotionally safe and a hands-on experience for clients.

“Watching our clients develop life skills and self- confidence are the most rewarding aspects of our work,” Lenz said. “Our clients have a high success rate. I am proud that my husband and I can work well together to create a successful business that helps others. We are

thankful for being able to find quality providers to join our Strides team. Our strong faith has given us the strength in all that we have accomplished.”

Lenz has hired Viterbo grads and interns who have mental health counseling training to assist with equine therapy. They work alongside an equine specialist, focusing on clients while the equine specialist focuses on the horses.

Clients can work through their life struggles by interacting with horses without feeling judgment or interpretation by another person.

Some of Lenz’s favorite Viterbo memories are being in a cohort and building the strong connections that still are there to this day. She will never forget a class when they went around the table and answered a question regarding work ethics. “The professor said, ‘I can tell you’re a worker.’ To  this day I will never forget that other people must notice how much effort I put into things that I am trying to accomplish in my life,” Lenz said.

Lenz is working on a program tailored to the unique needs of veterans. “Our team will help veterans build their resilience and learn through self-discovery,” she said. “Our goal is to help veterans find the changes they need to make to be more successful in both the military and civilian life.”

Specialized programs also are in the works for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other businesses, offering equine activities based on group goals.

Lenz said her family has been very supportive, and their children are learning entrepreneurial and animal care skills. “I find hands-on experience is the best way to learn these specific skills,” she said. “I thank my family for having faith in me to accomplish these goals in helping others through their struggles.”

Find more information on the Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center website.