About

Mission Statement

The mission of Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with cognitive, physical, emotional or behavioral challenges by providing them with affordable therapeutic horseback riding of the highest possible quality, in a warm, safe and familiar environment.

What makes Hope Springs Special?

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, a nonprofit organization, was founded in with the intent of providing therapeutic horseback riding (also known as "equine-facilitated therapy") .

We at Hope Springs are dedicated to making life for those facing challenges a little easier. On horseback, our riders learn that they are perhaps not as limited by their disabilities as they once thought. Says Nina Lee, parent of rider John Lee, "John loves his riding lessons. The experience has built not only his balance and motor skills, but has boosted his confidence."

Hope Springs is unique among therapeutic riding centers in that it places special emphasis on family involvement. The setting is warm and familiar and provides a safe haven for those families struggling to achieve normalcy. Parents are encouraged to watch lessons and in many cases, they walk beside the horse to observe their child's progress more closely.

Another special aspect of the program is its small size. Our team has an opportunity to work one-on-one with riders, parents and their therapists in a way that is not possible in larger programs. We are able to forge close personal bonds with the riders and their families to facilitate communication about the needs of each individual. Lesson plans for each rider are specifically tailored and include exercises designed to relax tight muscles and develop strength and endurance in weakened areas.

Our eight horses were hand picked for their kindness and patience. They have been specially trained to meet the requirements of individuals with special needs. They seem instinctively to know that the riders demand special care. An important element of our therapy sessions is the warmth and tenderness that our riders develop for their horses and the feeling of self-sufficiency they develop by learning to care for them.

Our Programs Therapeutic Riding One hour riding sessions for physically, mentally or emotionally challenged individuals (children and adults) is designed according to the rider’s capabilities and goals. Summer Camp The camp program offers children the opportunity to form deeper connections with the farm and its horses with a one week, 9-1 program of activities. Riders learn how to care for their horse, ride and participate in numerous horse-related activities. Special Olympics Participation Customized training sessions for eight to ten children for ten weeks culminating with a final county level competition. Qualifying children will attend the state games held in June of each year at the Penn State campus. At-Risk Youth Program Most participants in this program have behavioral issues such as attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse history, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems and are at risk of failing school in traditional classroom setting. Using techniques developed by the nationally recognized organization EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and following a curriculum developed by Strides to Success, the Hope Springs staffs, often works in collaboration with mental health experts to work with children and teens at risk of developing emotional behaviors and/or exhibiting behavioral problems. For these participants, the horse becomes a welcome addition to their lives as a new, non-judgmental friend. School Programs Utilizing the New Pathways to Learning curriculum which is based on the teaching positive life skills and the encouraging developmental assets, this program is offered to local schools throughout Chester County. (Riding time may be included but is not an essential part of the program.)

Membership and Affiliations:

International/National

• PACTH Member (PA Council for Therapeutic Horsemanship)
• PANO (Pennsylvania Association for Non-Profit Organizations.
• United Way

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy is a nonprofit, nonstock corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The organization is tax-exempt under Section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are a member of the PA Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations.