Meet the Horses / Adopt a Horse
We are fortunate to have a wonderful group of horses at Hope Springs since our riders form real attachments and friendships with their horses. Each rider rides the same horse every week, which allows them to get to know each other well. Such continuity is especially important in equestrian therapy and helps our riders to develop trust and confidence. We make sure riders have the same instructors and volunteers each week, too. This attention to detail and caring is part of what makes Hope Springs an exceptional place for children and adults with disabilities.
Please meet some very special members
of the Hope Springs team:
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J. Lo: This 8 year old pony brings pleasure not only to our severely physically challenged riders, but to those who are learning to canter and jump as well. Her moderate size makes her a special friend for many of our younger riders. |
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Gypsy: Born some 30 years ago on a Colorado ranch, Gypsy has spent years in rugged Western terrain and is unflappable. Her favorite past-time is being loved and groomed by her admirers! |
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Cody: 20 years young, Cody started his career as a barrel-racing, stop-on-a-dime Western horse. He can be Dennis the Menace if left to his own devices, but when carrying a special needs child or adult, he knows he needs to take special care! |
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Dudley: Have you ever seen a horse as big as a house? That's what one young rider pronounced Dudley -- bigger than her house. He's a 17-hand full-blooded Percheron who is truly a gentle giant. His size makes him fantastic for our adult riders, and yet he is sweet enough to carry little kids. |
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Rascal: The smallest member of our group is a 10 year old Welsh pony. When he arrived in the winter of 2007, he was so furry we did not know what he looked like under all his hair. Once he shed out, we found an adorable little pony. Previously he had been shown in lead line and short stirrup divisions in Chester County horse shows; now he takes care of our littlest riders. |
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Bailey: A bay with a big bald face and the newest member of our barn. He is a 6 year old breeding stock paint who has had some western training and has given lessons. Since he has a small build, he has been a great addition to our program for our riders who need a narrower horse. He, like many of our other horses, loves attention. |
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Tempest: This sweet, lovable Belgium has stolen the hearts of many of our riders. He is kind, loving and unflappable. From the smallest to the largest riders, Tempest takes care of them either in the ring or around our fields. He has a lovely little trot that enables the riders to sit comfortably when they first experience the pleasure of trotting. |
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Classy: An 8 yr. old paint mare has recently joined us. Not one to make friends readily, she, like the rest of us at Hope Springs, seems to recognize the specialness of our facility and has settled in quite nicely with her new friends. Previously she has been shown locally and trail ridden. |
Retired: |
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Misty: Misty is a 12-year old chestnut and white paint pony and is the newest member of the Hope Springs herd. She has successfully shown in both English and Western saddles -- and can do it all! |
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Griffy: Griffy carried our most precious cargo -- the small children who come to us for therapy at a very young age.
Thank you, Griffy! |
Adopt a Horse or make a general donation
Naturally, the care and feeding of our horses is a top priority for us. Quite simply, the quality of our therapy relies on having well trained, healthy horses. Feed, blacksmith services, and veterinary care form a substantial portion of our budget - in fact, it costs an average of $400 per month to care for one horse. Some of our horses are older; their patience and "I've seen it all" attitudes make them perfect for many of our riders. However, like all of us as we age, they require a little bit more care and oversight -- and dollars -- to maintain their health.
Would you join us as a partner today and consider sponsoring a horse for a month, several months or a year? Your participation would help to ensure that our horses receive the best of care and that our riders fully experience the many benefits of quality equestrian therapy. We will post a sign prominently in the barn and on the horse’s stall indicating which horse you have sponsored and for how long.
Thank you for caring enough to make the world a better place for people with disabilities. You can be assured your gift will touch many lives and will be deeply appreciated.
P.S. Several people can join together to sponsor a horse! You might like to enlist the participation of family members, colleagues, or friends. All donors will be acknowledged by signage in the barn.
