Many people in the Hill Country ride horses for work or fun, but others have found wholeness, empowerment, and transformation on a horse’s back. Through the profound human-horse connection, individuals facing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges have gained confidence, strength, and life skills that extend far beyond the arena. As they say, “Hope, healing, and happiness” are the heart of Triple H.
Triple H Equitherapy Center has provided equine-assisted therapy at its home in Pipe Creek for nearly three decades. This nonprofit has supported individuals by using the unique bond between humans and horses to promote healing and personal growth.
Triple H was founded in 1995 by Kathy and Kent Harbaugh when Kathy was inspired by her lifelong passion for horses and her experiences abroad. While Kent was stationed in London as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Kathy encountered therapeutic riding and even exercised the Queen’s horses. She was so inspired that she pursued a degree in special education and became a certified therapeutic riding instructor. After settling in Texas, she and Kent saw a need for equine therapy and established Triple H on 210 acres in Pipe Creek.
From its humble beginnings—two horses and a kitchen office—Triple H has grown into a thriving organization with a 20-horse barn, an equine retirement facility, a covered arena, and miles of therapy trails. The center’s holistic approach fosters physical, mental, and spiritual growth for participants of all ages, including children and veterans. “It’s really exciting to see how those three things—mind, body, and spirit—come together with the horse and the natural setting,” says Executive Director Ginger Eways. “That kind of empowerment strengthens not just our clients but their families as well.”
The Essence of Equitherapy
Equine therapy is rooted in how horses naturally communicate and respond to human emotions, making them powerful partners in mental wellness and personal development. This methodology harnesses horses' unique ability to reflect human emotions. Before mounting, participants engage in groundwork exercises, learning to communicate with their horses through body language, energy, and intention. Horses provide immediate, honest feedback—if approached with tension or frustration, they respond in kind.
Key concepts such as trust, boundaries, and mutual respect are central to the process, particularly for at-risk youth who may struggle with personal boundaries. Horses enforce limits naturally—firm yet nonjudgmental—helping participants internalize the importance of mutual respect and healthy relationships. This creates a space for self-reflection, teaching participants to regulate emotions and adjust their approach, skills that translate into everyday relationships with family, peers, and colleagues.
Horse-Rider Bonding
At Triple H, the partnership between horse and rider is not assigned; it is chosen. In fact, it’s the horses who select the riders. This unique process begins after clients receive a safety briefing on approaching and interacting with the horses. Then, the horses are released into a pasture—free of halters, lead ropes, or any restraints—while the clients move among them. Staff members remain at a distance, carefully observing each horse’s body language and interactions. Some horses make an obvious choice by following or nudging a specific person, for example. In contrast, others communicate more subtly, perhaps by stepping away from others once they’ve found their match. This intuitive process forms the foundation of a deep, authentic connection.
For every rider, the bond with their horse plays a crucial role in their therapeutic journey. For some, especially those with physical challenges like cerebral palsy, the focus may be on developing core strength and stamina through riding. For others, it may be about building trust, learning to communicate, or simply finding comfort in the presence of their equine friend. Regardless of the goal, the horse-rider relationship becomes a catalyst for transformation—one built on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared journey toward growth.
Comprehensive Programs
Triple H Equitherapy offers tailored programs for people facing physical, cognitive, emotional, and social challenges. Sessions structured around personal goals are guided by trained staff and volunteers, providing transformative experiences. Across all programs, Triple H emphasizes individualized instruction, real-time feedback from the horses, and a foundation of trust between participants and their equine partners. “In just eight weeks, the progress our clients make is amazing,” Eways says. “Many continue for years, advancing and repeating sessions, but even in that short time, we see real transformation.”
With a dedicated team of 13 staff members and a strong volunteer network, Triple H remains committed to empowering individuals through the healing power of horses. The programs designed to achieve this goal include:
Riding to Independence
This program helps individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities develop independence through therapeutic riding. Lessons focus on each rider’s abilities and incorporate activities like navigating obstacles, issuing commands, and improving coordination. With nearly 100 clients participating weekly, volunteers are crucial in ensuring safe and effective sessions.
Hooves, Hearts & Heroes
By collaborating with local school districts, this program integrates equine-assisted activities with classroom goals for special education students. Sessions support cognitive, social, and emotional growth through hands-on learning. For instance, students working on emotional regulation practice breathing techniques with their horse, receiving instant feedback as the horse mirrors their relaxation.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Designed for those who have experienced trauma, this program helps individuals—particularly veterans and at-risk youth—develop relationship-building skills. Facilitated by mental health professionals, sessions use equine interactions to reinforce trust, communication, and emotional regulation, providing a safe space for healing and personal growth.
Community Support
In every program it offers, Triple H thrives on the dedication of its volunteers, whose support makes equine-assisted therapy possible for nearly 100 clients each week. Because the staff stays small, volunteers play a crucial part in ensuring each session's safety, comfort, and success.
Every role is critical. Horse handlers bring experience working with horses, taking responsibility for grooming, tacking, and leading the horse during therapy. Equally important are the sidewalkers, who directly support clients, particularly those with mobility challenges. Some participants who move from a wheelchair onto the horse using a ramp need assistance with balance and stability. Sidewalkers walk beside them, offering encouragement and reassurance, guaranteeing that each rider feels secure and confident as they engage in therapy. Together, these volunteers create a supportive environment where individuals can focus on their growth, healing, and connection with their horses.
At Triple H, community support isn’t just valued; it’s the foundation of everything they do. Whether leading a horse, assisting a rider, or helping behind the scenes, every volunteer plays a vital role in changing lives.
Trotting Toward New Horizons
With a commitment to high standards of care and a dedicated community of staff and volunteers, Triple H continues to set itself apart as a leader in equine-assisted therapy. Thanks to a recent significant gift, adding a covered outdoor arena has expanded capacity and opportunities, allowing Triple H to branch out into new, innovative programs beyond traditional equine therapy. New programs designed for a wider audience include specialized equine therapy clinics, leadership and self-care workshops for professionals, corporate team-building programs, and other health and wellness experiences.
As Triple H looks to the future, its core vision remains steadfast: to provide a safe, supportive space where individuals can grow, heal, and build lasting connections. Whether through riding, groundwork, or therapeutic interactions, Triple H's influence extends beyond its riders, touching the volunteers, families, and entire community who come together to make this work possible.
“Equine therapy benefits people of all ages and backgrounds,” Eways relates. “It’s incredible to witness how such a broad range of people experience growth and healing through their connection with horses.” With continued innovation and expansion, Triple H is excited to reach more people than ever, ensuring that anyone—regardless of background or ability—can experience the life-changing power of a friendly horse.
triple-h.org | 830-510-9515 | 791 Backhaus Rd., Pipe Creek
“Our clients leave stronger, empowering not just themselves but their families too.”
“In just eight weeks, the progress our clients make is amazing.”