Echo Pines Equine, Inc.
2025 Annual Report
2025 was a busy and meaningful year for Echo Pines Equine and Tanner’s Trail Equine Obstacle Course. This marked our fourth full year of operation since beginning our mission in January 2022, and we are proud of the growth, partnerships, and community impact we achieved.
Community Engagement and Programs
Throughout the year, we had the privilege of working with numerous individuals and families, helping them strengthen their ability to attune to themselves and others through healthy, connected relationships with our equines.
Echo Pines welcomed multiple classes from the Grove City Area School District and Keystone Charter School, and we participated in events with the Grove City United Methodist Church, Grace Kids, and Girl Scout Troop 51444.
In October, we hosted our first team‑building event for the Adoption and Permanency Staff of the Children’s Aid Society of Mercer County. The group engaged enthusiastically in the activities, and the experience was well‑received by all participants.
Training, Education, and Internships
Our staff continued their professional development through ongoing training and certification in Trauma‑Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with the Natural Lifemanship Institute. We also hosted an intern from Grove City College during the fall semester and look forward to offering additional internship opportunities in 2026.
Veteran Services and Partnerships
In June, Echo Pines Equine partnered with the Butler VA Health Care System to provide free trauma‑focused services to veterans and their families. We also attended veterans’ events across Butler, Mercer, and Lawrence Counties.
We were honored to participate in the Wreaths Across America ceremony hosted by the Harrisville American Legion Post #852, helping place wreaths on the gravesites of local veterans. Additionally, we joined the Grove City Veterans Day Parade alongside the Stanley Snyder VFW Post 7465.
In December, we began offering mental health services to veterans participating in programs at the Slippery Rock University Storm Harbor Equestrian Facility, with plans to continue these services into 2026.
Tanner’s Trail Equine Obstacle Course
In August, we held a small ceremony to dedicate our new outdoor obstacle course in memory of Staff Sergeant Tanner Edwards, who served with the Army National Guard 107th Field Artillery Battalion and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Tanner’s family raised funds through Tanner’s Trail Equine Obstacle Course to purchase obstacles for both our indoor and outdoor courses. These resources have become invaluable therapeutic tools, and we are deeply grateful to the Minor Family for their generosity.
Outreach to Long‑Term Care Facilities
Our miniature horse, Dusty, brought joy to residents at Orchard Manor, Jameson Nursing and Rehabilitation, and Quality Life Services in Mercer. One particularly meaningful visit was arranged through the Don’t Stop Dreamin’ program, allowing a resident to fulfill her dream of petting a horse.
Fundraising and Community Support
Echo Pines Equine and Tanner’s Trail Equine Obstacle Course are incredibly fortunate to receive strong community support. In September, we hosted our 3rd Annual Night at the Races at the Keystone Events Center, raising more than $10,000 for our program. The event sold out by July and was a tremendous success. We look forward to hosting our 4th annual event on September 19, 2026, and encourage early ticket reservations.
Because our program is entirely volunteer‑based and we do not charge for services, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to sustain our mission. While we cannot list every contributor individually, we extend special thanks to the following major funders:
- The Glen and Jean Harnett Foundation
- The Community Foundation of Eastern Ohio and Western PA
- Maple Lane Farm
- Stanley Snyder VFW Post 7465
- All Good Things Thrift Shoppe
- Grace United Methodist Church
- Creekside Cellars Winery
- Momentum Chiropractic
- Hovis Auto and Truck Supply
- RAS Outdoors, Inc.
- Rick and Kim Gilliland
- Julianne and Nathan McLallen
- Haley and Doug Pears
- Jim and Diane Poulos
- Dan Phillips, Snap‑On Tools
- Minor Acres Packing Co.
- Weber Pleasant View Farms, LLC
- Eric Watson, Watson Inc.
- Chris Haines, Lakeview Fertilizer
- QLS Don’t Stop Dreamin’
Looking Ahead
We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our community, partners, and volunteers. Your generosity allows us to provide meaningful, no‑cost services to individuals, families, and veterans throughout the region. We look forward to another impactful year in 2026.
Echo Pines Equine 