Equine Assisted Development

Equine Assisted Development Effective 10/31/25, EAD will be closing permanently. EAD is a 501(c)3 non-profit A non riding program.

Mission statement:
We provide hope, healing, and restoration through unique horse experiences at our refuge in the city. EAD is a faith based, non-profit, farm in the city that provides EAGALA certified horse therapy services to those who are hurting.

This was such a beautiful fundraiser piece for 2025. Read the words chosen for November.A very curated and thoughtful pr...
11/30/2025

This was such a beautiful fundraiser piece for 2025. Read the words chosen for November.
A very curated and thoughtful process. We truly had a very talented staff of volunteers.
So grateful.

11/23/2025

UPDATE - Hero, Snowball, Peanut, and all 3 goats have found a new home TOGETHER where they will be well cared
for and loved.

Deb and volunteer Kate took at ride to HopeWell Ranch this past week to donate the Real Happiness Mobile Trailer to this...
11/23/2025

Deb and volunteer Kate took at ride to HopeWell Ranch this past week to donate the Real Happiness Mobile Trailer to this amazing farm in Weidman, Michigan.

HopeWell Ranch has undergone an amazing transformation and we are truly honored to help them expand the reach of their programs.

While Deb got to tour the property and hear about the plans and programs for the expanding farm, Kate got to know members of the equine herd.

During a time of sadness over the loss of EAD, we found happiness, love, and hope that the mission of equine assisted growth and learning continues to thrive and grow in Michigan.

A grateful post. Grand River Signs, always captured the brand and the heart of EAD’s services. Thank you Rich Mate for t...
11/21/2025

A grateful post.
Grand River Signs, always captured the brand and the heart of EAD’s services. Thank you Rich Mate for the years and your generosity.

Over the years
11/19/2025

Over the years

Building a memorial garden over the last couple of years helped many in grief groups, kids from alternative schools and ...
11/04/2025

Building a memorial garden over the last couple of years helped many in grief groups, kids from alternative schools and wellness retreats.
I’d like to thank Barbara Schultz retired grief chaplain and creative designer of the garden ( look for her book she published this year). Jennifer and Linda thank you for the donation of beautiful plants a foliage. This memorial was a wonderful addition for our clients.

10/30/2025

We are truly honored to have been the care takers of such amazing animals and witnesses to the powerful transformation that can happen with a horse.

All animals leaving the farm will be placed in loving, knowledgable homes.

Letter from Executive Director Deb VanderBand
10/30/2025

Letter from Executive Director Deb VanderBand

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Equine Assisted Development. Read the Board of Directors' letter...
10/30/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Equine Assisted Development. Read the Board of Directors' letter here:

So sweet
10/28/2025

So sweet

Frosty mornings and beautiful therapy horses.
10/26/2025

Frosty mornings and beautiful therapy horses.

Address

3224 32nd Street SE
Kentwood, MI
49512

Telephone

+16163184919

Website

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EAD’S STORY

The mission of Equine Assisted Development of Grand Rapids began over 16 years ago with the vision of one woman, Deb VanderBand and her yearling horse, Cochise. After officially obtaining an LLC status in 2006 and later non-profit status, VanderBand continues with the same simple idea: connecting horses and people. Over the years, Equine Assisted Development has become an opportunity for people like you to help horses help people through the giving of time, expertise, and monetary support.

Equine Assisted Development is located at 3224 32nd Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Our address is unique in that we are a farm of 26 acres in the middle of the city. Equine Assisted Development provides unique equine therapy experiences for a variety of people, groups, and ages. Every session is an on-ground (meaning - no riding), client-led, and interactive experience for personal growth and healing through a variety of non-riding activities. And because our sessions are grounded, no prior experience with horses is necessary to participate in any of our programs.

Sessions are facilitated by a certified equine specialist and mental health professional who process activities with participants for self-discovery. Through the use of metaphoric dialogue, observation, and open-ended questions, clients discover perceptions and mental processes behind their beliefs and actions. Horses are used to help people tell their story and find their own solutions in a non-judgmental, emotionally safe place.