INTRA is located in an idyllic setting on Moshav Bnei Zion, where we welcome riders both from Israel and abroad, who can benefit from equine therapy. Riders receive individualized, hands-on training from a team of dedicated and highly skilled staff. In addition, INTRA provides vocational training and is engaged in research and development on the uses and benefits of equine therapy.
Within weeks of starting INTRA’s sessions, most riders show dramatic improvement in their ability to face the challenges of their disability. INTRA’s therapy is generally recognized as a special holistic therapeutic force now used worldwide by many health professionals, practitioners, psychologists and medical institutions.
INTRA’s program has the support of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education and Sport, the Israel Equestrian Federation, and other local institutions.
INTRA was founded in 2000 by Anita and Giora Shkedi, a caring husband and wife team, together with a board of trustees. Their long and successful experience with therapeutic riding in Israel dates back to 1985, when Anita founded therapeutic horseback riding in Israel — they have worked in the field ever since.
Based on their work at the Hadassah Neurim Village, they recognized a unique opportunity to extend their teaching to a much wider audience, by encouraging the disabled to experience normal riding activity in a beautiful environment, while integrating with the able-bodied.
In the summer of 2013 INTRA moved to Bnei Zion in the Hof Hasharon Valley, which is in the center of Israel near the towns of Ra’anana, Hertzliya, Netanya and Kefar Sava. This new center for therapeutic riding offers the most professional services to meet its varied clients needs. Included in these client needs are those of Israeli soldiers who are suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injury.