HOPE offers individual and group therapeutic recreational English-style riding lessons that enable the students to learn to walk, trot, canter and jump to the best of their abilities. In the near future, we plan to add therapeutic cart driving and vaulting (gymnastics/dance on horseback) activities to expand the opportunities for student involvement. 
Our students start as young as age 4 and there is NO MAXIMUM age limit! Within our student population, we work with individuals diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, spina bifida, learning disorders, ADD/ADHD, autism, selective mutism, encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, speech impairments, sensory deprivation, impaired movements due to injuries, stroke, and more, in addition to sexual/physical abuse victims, depression and other mental health concerns. A 2007 partial program evaluation conducted by a Seattle Pacific University Industrial Psychology class reported that our students experienced increased self-confidence and self-worth across the spectrum of diagnoses. Time and time again, families report how much improvement they see in their children in their daily lives as well.
The riders and their family members can tell you there is much more to a HOPE lesson than getting on the horse and riding around in circles. In fact, the learning begins as soon as the student steps into the building. First, the students, if able, must sign in and out for their lessons. Then they have to check that day’s lesson sheet to find the following information: 1) which helmet they wear; 2) which volunteers will be helping them and in what capacity (sidewalkers or horse leader); 3) which horse they will be riding; and 4) what specific saddle and bridle equipment they will need. Much of our equipment is coded with colored rings to help the students find what they need, even if they are not able to read.
Already we are working to instill responsibility, learning and independence before the student ever gets near the horse. The students, to the best of their abilities, help groom their horse before and after their lesson. They learn the horses’ names, parts of the horse, as well as the proper use of the various grooming tools. They also learn to tack or put the saddle pad, the saddle, the stirrups, girth, bridle and reins on the horse. The tacking process entails tasks done in sequence and in particular ways, requiring students to pay attention, follow directions and interact appropriately. Then, through the use of games and exercises, they have fun building their riding skills.
When you think about all the little steps to get a horse ready, you see it is a wonderful environment for the student to not only get physical stimulation, but also start bonding with the horse and the people they are working with. For someone who has been abused or emotionally withdrawn, this may be their first attempts at reaching out and letting themselves trust again.
With HOPE, you can Grab the Reins of Life!
Click here to view our Calendar. Student Applications are available for download from this page. Explanation of the application process and fees is included in the Application and Policy Cover letter. Feel free to contact us, if you need more information or have difficulty downloading the forms.
