Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy

Cause Area

  • Animals
  • Children & Youth
  • People with Disabilities
  • Sports & Recreation

Location

1800 Art School RoadChester Springs, PA 19425 United States

Organization Information

Mission Statement

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

Description

Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy, a nonprofit organization, was founded in 1997 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.

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.

Reviews

Would you recommend Hope Springs Equestrian Therapy?
2 reviews Write a review
by Lindsey F. (2022-06-14 04:49:04.0)
I've been a volunteer with Hope Springs for over 6 years now. I've seen first hand the impact this program and it's staff have on our riders, and the progress they make week over week. Hope Springs allows me the opportunity to volunteer consistently with the same riders so I can witness their progress first hand, and spending time there has a healing affect on me too. I look forward to my time at Hope Springs each week.
by Shelley B. (2021-10-10 14:04:52.0)
If you're thinking about volunteering with Hope Springs...just go for it!! Imagine volunteering some time each week in an absolutely gorgeous setting while surrounded by friendly people and horses - this is it. I have very little experience working with horses but they provide great training, and you can volunteer your time helping with barn duties or as an assistant during a riding lesson (or both), whatever your comfort/interest. This is an awesome organization that is providing really positive experiences for people living with different types of disabilities, and I highly recommend volunteering with them!

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