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Meet the Horses / Adopt a HorseWe 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 special needs. Please meet some very special members
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Henri:The most recent addition to Hope Springs, this 7 year old Haflinger is a rescue pony found wandering the fields of Virginia. Although we don't know what Henri did before joining our family, he is quickly learning his new job. In between lessons, this mischievous little guy loves to try to get a rise out of his new stable mates. |
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Beauty: This gorgeous dark bay Morgan came to us in 2009 from Willow Creek Farm in Adamstown. Previously used for pleasure-riding, this 17 year old has learned her new job well and knows how to make her students work a little bit by using their arms and legs to guide her. |
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Monte: At 11 years of age, Monte is the barn's resident thoroughbred. This great grandson of Triple Crown winner War Admiral was born in Florida and won six races under the name Zip Gun before being finding refuge at Hope Springs. |
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J. Lo:This 11 year old Quarter Horse brings pleasure not only to our severely physically challenged riders, but to those who are learning more advanced riding techniques. Her moderate size makes her a special friend for many of our riders. |
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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 19 year old 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 children too. |
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Rascal:This 14 year old Welsh pony arrived at Hope Springs in the winter of 2007. Previously, he had been shown in lead line and short stirrup divisions in Chester County horse shows; now this spirited little pony supports our littlest riders. |
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Cricket:This 10 year old Haflinger cross is the cutest little pony. Her gaits make her a wonderful therapeutic pony for all of our riders, but she is especially good at taking care of (and gently challenging) our independent riders. |
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Tempest:This sweet, lovable 11 year old Belgian Paint has stolen the hearts of many of our riders. Like a big golden retriever, he is kind, loving and unflappable. From the smallest to the largest riders, Tempest takes care of them either in the ring or out on the trails. He has a lovely little trot that enables those new to the experience to sit comfortably. |
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Cody: Cody started his career as a barrel-racing, stop-on-a-dime Western horse. He was Dennis the Menace when left to his own devices, but knew to take care when helping our special needs riders. |
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Gypsy: Born on a Colorado ranch, Gypsy spent years in rugged Western terrain and was unflappable. Her favorite past-time at Hope Springs was being loved and groomed by her admirers. |
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Misty: Before coming to Hope Springs, this feisty chestnut and white paint pony was successfully shown in both English and Western saddles. As a lesson horse, Misty could do it all. |
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Griffy: Griffy carried our most precious cargo -- the small children who came to us for therapy at a very young age. Thank you, Griffy! |
Adopt a Horse
Naturally, the care and feeding of our horses is a top priority to 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. You can be assured your gift will touch many lives and will be deeply appreciated.
Adopt a Horse or just make a general donation!
Donate to Hope Springs by check or credit card:
| To donate by check, mail this form to: | To donate by credit card, use PayPal: |
| Hope Springs P. O. Box 156, Chester Springs, PA 19425 |